Meany Ski Hut Celebrates Fifty Years
"The Mountaineer Annual" dated 1979
by Idona L. Kellogg
Dr. Edmond S. Meany,
donated the land.
Fifty year ago a dream came true - Meany Ski Hut was a reality! On Armistice Day 1928, Dr Edmond
S. Meany stood with 100 Mountaineers and guests to dedicate a two-story shelter that had been
built by weekend volunteers in two months of back-breaking work.
To build the hut, club members became carpenters, masons, and pack-horses hauling supplies by hand
uphill 300 yards from the Northern Pacific Railroad at Martin to the Meany site. In addition to
erecting a 20 by 50 two-story frame building large enough for fifty people, they made tables and
benches, brought in bed springs, matresses, and other furniture, and even managed to pull a
kitchen range weighing 1,700 pounds up the mountain with block and tackle.
Artist concept of Meany
Ski Lodge, 1928. (Roy Nishiyori)
Dr Meany, beloved president of the Mountaineers from 1908 to 1935 and a University of Washington
Professor, had purchased for $125 and donated fifty-four acres of the NPRR 1886 construction
campsite known as Tunnel City. From 1886-88, Tunnel City had housed at least 200 construction
workers building the two-mile long Stampede Pass Tunnel and temporary switchbacks. By 1928, all
that existed of Tunnel City and its workshops, warehouses, hospital, restaurant, and saloon was a
station house labeled "Martin" and a few employees cottages. (In the summer of 1964 NPRR destroyed
all of its [remaining] buildings at Martin
For several years prior to 1928, Mountaineers on special outings to Stampede Pass had been
impressed by the open areas around the present weather station, the power line hill, and the
magnificent open timber of Meany Hill. This favorable terrain and the accessibility by train so
inspired these explorers that they talked the Mountaineer Board of Trustees into approving "a
plain ski shelter without luxurious embellishments" and $1,700 was appropriated for construction.
Many materials and supplies for the hut were donated.
Meany Hut still stands a stone's throw from the eastern portal of the Stampede Pass Train Tunnel,
on the eastern slope of the Cascades, in the heart of acres of enchantment, almost 3,000 feet
above the sea. But how Meany has changed in these last fifty years!--And this is because Meany has
been blessed with a steady flow of dedicated volunteers ready to labor mightily.
Artist concept of present Meany Ski Lodge.
(Roy Nishiyori)
Skiable areas have been created and two rope tows constructed along with a shelter for rope tow
machinery which has been rebuilt several times. A 25 by 30 three story addition to the Ski Hut went
up in 1939 and the hut capacity was increased again in 1971. Fire escape were added to both east
west ends of the hut and the drying room was enlarged and floored with concrete. Numerous other
smaller building projects took shape.
Maintaining the equipment has taken enormous number of volunteer hours. The Bombardier Sno-Tractor
used to haul skiers from the Stampede Overpass [exit 62] to Meany since the trains stopped service
in 1960 had needed careful attention as it is Meany's lifeline. The Cat Trail [FS 420] and bridge
over Stampede Creek has been built several times after sections were washed out due to flooding.
Meany's newest crew member, a Thiokol Spryte Sno-Cat which now packs Meany's lower slopes, takes
hours of service time.
that's what it has taken to bring Meany through fifty highly successful years!!
Gigantic Birthday Party--September 23-24, 1978
"The Mountaineer Annual" dated 1979
by Idona L. Kellogg
On September 23-24, 1978, eight of the original Meany crew and 450 other Mountaineers and guests
invaded Meany for a gigantic birthday party to cheer Meany into its next fifty years. The eight
early Meanyites were: Gus Hudson, Hariet Taylor Tiedt, Opan Maxwell, Andy and Kay Anderson, Herb
and Eugenia Strandberg, and Fred Ball. Highlights of the weekend were the Sunday dedication
program and the huge salmon dinner.
Bob Cram masterfully and humorously emceed the dedication program. Royce and Rhea Natoli organized
the program agenda, contacted the participants, and arranged for the variety show. Virginia Reid
did a tremendous job as overall chairperson for the entire birthday weekend. Patti Polinsky-Claar
took charge of the elaborate perfectly-prepared and very efficiently served salmon dinner.
Wanda Van DeVanter, who supervised registration, reported that Dawn Steere, former Meany woman
patrol racer in the 1930's, now living in Orange, California and Nancy and Trevor Dick and family
from Lethbridge, Alberta Canada, probably came from farthest away.
Other facets of the Birthday Weekend were just as outstanding as the Sunday program and Salmon
Feed. There were the tours of [the] Meany grounds and ski runs; Coleman Leuthy's mushroom
identification treks and lengthy labeled mushroom displays, films of Meany action shown by Bob
Bentler, Doug Damm, and Roger Thayer; album and picture exhibits; A Campfire Songfest led by
Nancy Adams; folk-dancing organized by Arne Svensson with live music by Art Nation and Richard
Svensson, and a misty Sunday morning outdoor worship service let by Cadett Barnes.
Walter B. Little has skied
Meany for 40 of its 50 years.
(O. Phillip Dickers)
And now more about that Salmon Dinner which was a lavish Indian-style feast. 174 pounds of fish
fillets, turned into delicious outdoor barbecued salmon, were served with herbed brown rice,
marinated minted peas, cornbread and honey, coleslaw, and vegetable nibbles with edible apple
swans. A huge birthday cake was the dessert. Unbelievably, the entire crowd was fed within 45
minutes.
For the Sunday Birthday Ceremony, Bob Cram, old-time Meanyite and well-known cartoonist and
television personality, hosted a lively hour of laughter and nostalgia as he interviewed past Hut
chairmen about "interesting" events that occurred during their reign.
Fred Ball, an energetic 81-year-old and the 1932 Hut Chairman, entertained the group by singing
"Wild Bill Maxwell", a tale written by Art Winder in the 1930's about one of the best-loved and
most colorful of Meany's early skiers. Much credit was given to "Max" for organizing the
backbreaking labor necessary for building the Hut and clearing the lane. Maxwell's widow, Opal,
proudly beamed in the audience as "Max's" story was told in song.
Bob Cram's imitation of "Charlie's" jungle noises in the men's dorm had the crowd roaring. As Cram
said, "He had no rhythm to his snoring."
Bill Brockman, 1953 Hut Chairman, told of some of the technical problems of getting
highly-esteemed, over-weight "Nashie", the cook, up the hill each weekend. She prepared meals at
for twenty-nine years, from 1935 to 1964. Peggy Grass has been our ingenious cook for the last
eleven years.
"Times were really gloomy at Meany in early 1960," Doug Damm, Hut Chairman at that time, recounted,
"The trains stopped in March, 1960 and the rest of that season supplies had to be hand-carried all
the way from the highway." Doug hilariously told the story of a test run
behind Tom Van DeVanter's
station wagon to determine how many people would react to being towed in by the Cat on ropes.
Apparently after a speedy start, a little panic, and a frantic call to "STOP," Tom applied
the brakes and the skiers all plowed into his open tailgate.
Bob Cram said this of Walt Little, who has skied Meany for forty of its fifty years: "Walt was a
pioneer in ski technique. Anything that was crazy, Walt had already tried." Besides his many
technical contributions Walt concocted many of the names around Meany Hill like "Psychopath" and
Lower Slobbovia". Walt, with his keen intellect, has helped create the friendly and witty Meany
atmosphere.
Mountaineer's President Jim Sanford, after giving some warm welcoming remarks, had his turn at
story-telling as he introduced present Hut Chairman, Ray Nelson. Ray has served for twelve years.
Many others contributed to the program. Art Nation fiddled as dancers spun out the nine-pin reel.
Steve Stout sang "In the Mountains," a song he'd just written. The "impoverished Players"
portrayed by three skits 1) the Erection of Meany Hut, 2) Life at the present day Hut, and 3)
Meany of the year 2023, with skiers arriving by airbus and being served by a robot.
The Technical details were carried out with incredible smoothness. There was not a traffic problem
anywhere in spite of the number of cars maneuvering those narrow mountain roads. Camping, fire,
water, garbage, and sewer facilities had been carefully planned for. Even the problem of getting
the heavy dining room tables from inside the lodge to the grounds took ingenuity. A stage was
built and straw bales brought in. Much work was done to prepare the lodge and immediate grounds.
The Birthday Weekend was another prime example of what can be accomplished by dedicated,
hard-working, and determined volunteers. May that caliber of volunteer be with Meany for the next
fifty years!
Webmaster's note: this article continued with a cronological history of major events leading up to the
50th anniversary of Meany. I have taking that and added many more.
To view major events in Meany's history please click on 
Meany Cronological History
Gigantic Half-Century Birthday Party
"The Mountaineer" dated May 1978
Meany Hut Sept. 23-24
Plan your group's activities for Meany Hill September 23-24, Meany's 50th Anniversary celebration. We
envision one thousand guests using our hill as base camp for hikes, climbs, canoe-kayak trips, bicycle
tours, naturalist forays, folkdancing, music making, player events, etc.
This will mean campsites from "No-Name-Woods" to "the Edifice Wrecks" and all along the "Cat Trail."
Some daring souls might even venture to "Tombstone Canyon," "Psycho-Path," "Phogbound Gulch," or "North
or South Slobovia."
Artist conception of Meany Lodge, 1928
We will clear the entire main floor of Meany Hut for a Saturday night folkdance led by Arne Svensson.
A campfire song fest is also in the works for Saturday evening.
Sunday will be the highlight: an "anniversary program" with skits, spiels, special guests, and much
merriment and hilarity. Bring a ravenous appetite as an enormous outdoor barbecue will await you.
(Tickets prepaid)
Does anyone have contributions to Meany's history? Stories of past people or events, names and
addresses of Meany Old Timers, photos and other mementoes are wanted. Contact Wanda Van DeVanter,
827-5415, or Walt Little, 322-2554, with such information.
Meany Hut started as a ski-touring shelter
So greatly had the enthusiasm for ski-touring grown in the twenties that in 1927 plans were made for a
second Mountaineer Club base to care for the overflow from Snoqualmie Lodge. This refuge was to be the
forerunner of several huts scattered at a day's trek from one another, as in ski-wise Europe and the
Appalachians.
Early explorers were impressed by the open areas around the present Stampede Pass weather station, the
power line slopes, and the magnificent open timber of Meany Hill - all ideally suited to ski-touring.
This favorable terrain plus accessibility by train (no backpacking) influenced Dr. Edmond S. Meany,
beloved president of the Mountaineers from 1908 to 1935 and a University of Washington Professor, to
purchase and donate 64 acres close to the former site of Tunnel City, which had housed 186 men and six
families during construction of the two-mile Northern Pacific Stampede Pass train tunnel and switchbacks
during the years 1886-1888.
A station house labeled "Martin" replace Tunnel City and its workshops, warehouses, hospital,
restaurant and saloon. The Meany Ski Hut was to be erected only a five minutes' walk from the Martin
station house.
Construction of the 20 by 50 two-story frame building large enough for fifty people was started in
September 1928. Materials were shipped by rail to Martin, unladed by volunteer workers and carried to
the site by hand, with some help from railroad section hands. On November 11 the building was dedicated
by Dr. Meany with about 100 members and guests present.
Train sevice ceased in 1960, and the Martin station house was torn down shortly after
Meany Hut - A Skiers' Haven for Fifty Years
By Idona Kellogg (First of two part article)
"The Mountaineer" dated August 1978
Hundreds of pigtailed Chinese railroad workers once roamed the hills around Meany Ski Area along with
scores of other men, 400 horses and mules and a few families. They were all working on construction,
from 1886 to 1888, of the two-mile long Stampede Pass Train Tunnel and temporary switchbacks. Tunnel
City, with its workshops, warehouses, hospital, restaurant and saloon, stood somewhere on or near the
site of the present Meany Hut. Given the absence of suitable flat areas even today, one wonders where
these buildings stood.
All that existed of Tunnel City in 1928, when Professor Meany and one hundred other Mountaineers
dedicated Meany Hut, was a station house labeled "Martin" and a few employees' cottages. Train service
to Meany ceased in 1960 and shortly afterwards the station house and cottages were torn down. Very
little remains to remind one of the epic struggle to build the tunnel. The old grades of the switchbacks
have been almost obliterated by power lines and their access roads. However, the waterfall at the east
portal still cascades over the tunnel's end and a snow shed protects the approach as it did in
construction days. These can be seen from the ski traverse call the "Psychopath" at the back of Meany
ski area. Webmaster note: Stampede Tunnel usage was stopped in 1985. The snowshed
has been destroyed due to arson July 1988. With the reopening of the tunnel in 2003, a new "Martin"
station house has be built
The scene is peaceful now. Meany Hut nestles in a "little grove of young evergreens, pine, hemlock, fir
and yew, while nearby Meany Hill offers sweeping views into Keechelus and Kachess country. Encircling
the horizon are friendly, rounded forested mountains. Acres of huckleberry and mountain ash in season
color the landscape in every direction.
Such is the setting for the half-century birthday party on September 23-24. Perhaps a thousand
Mountaineers will gather for the anniversary program. We hope they will include members from all
branches and activities, Meany Old Timers and all former Hut chairmen, as well as special guests.
Fifty years ago, when Dr. Edmond S. Meany, University of Washington professor and beloved Mountaineer
president, purchased and donated the land for a ski shelter, volunteer labor erected a 20' x 50'
two-story frame building in less than two months. Materials for the building, which was to accommodate
50 people, were shipped by rail to Martin, 300 yards downhill from Meany, and carried to the site by
hand.
It's still the volunteer labor that makes Meany successful. The hut seems to attract talented, spirited,
hard-working, self-sufficient folk who love the challenge of a group project. Because of a core of
dedicated "Meanyites" throughout its fifty-year history, the original hut and 64-acre plot have
undergone many changes and improvements.
Engineer Walt Little, who has been part of the Meany picture for forty of its fifty years, tells about
some of these additions. "A major change," says Walt, "is the addition of two rope tows. The fast one
we call the 'Mach' Tow referring to the 'speed of sound' and the other the 'worm' tow because it crawls."
Meanyites behind the Sno-Cat Roy Nishiyori
Meany Hut - A Skiers' Haven for Fifty Years
By Idona Kellogg (Second of two part article)
"The Mountaineer" dated September 1978
Before the first tow was built in 1938, even the strongest skiers could only manage three or four
climbs and descents of Meany Hill on anyone day. Many devoted their time to touring the surrounding
country. Ski races at Meany were popular, with cross-country and slalom races for men and women and
downhill races for men. Then there was the "patrol race."
The race route led cross-country from Snoqualmie Lodge to Meany, a distance of over 22 miles. Teams
were started about 10 minutes apart and the three men or women of each team were required to go over
the finish line at Meany within one minute of each other . Dawn Steere's picture album shows that in
1938 the Meany men's team beat six teams from other ski clubs by making the trip in 4 hours, 57 minutes!
The usual time was between 5 and 6 hours. Dawn was on one of the women's teams.
Access to Meany in wintertime is now by Sno-cat," Walt Little continued.
Imagine the surprise of some people when they see coming toward them two long lines of skiers with
overnight packs being pulled by a gaily-painted blue-topped Bombadier Cat. Aboard the "Cat" are another
20 or more people and gear.
Tom Van DeVanter has driven the Cat on scheduled Saturday and Sunday runs since 1960 when the trains
could no longer stop at Meany. Webmaster note: In sincere appreciation for all the
years that Tom drove the Sno-cat, in 1977 it was rechristianed "TomCat". A few people hike,
cross-country ski, or snowshoe the three miles in to Meany from the Stampede Pass Sno-Park area.
"The Hut itself has seen some drastic changes," Walt Little stated as he listed a few.
In 1939 a concerted effort resulted in a 24' x 30' three- story addition with a basement containing
a furnace, drying room, waxing room, washroom, and at last! inside plumbing. The main floor held
a recreation room with a ping-pong table and space for dancing or games. Dorm space was almost doubled.
A light plant had previously been installed and, later, telephone service was added.
"Our ski area has expanded considerably," Walt commented. "The government considers 'Lower Slobbovia' a
transmission line, but it makes a dandy ski hill."
In his article for the 1956 Annual, "The Story of Meany Ski Hut," Fred W. Ball wrote that
"In 1931 two loggers from Easton contracted to fall the trees from the cornice down to the clearing for
$100 and so the lane was created. Unfortunately the loggers were careless, or the trees perverse, for
they fell in a jumble, requiring an outlay of another $100 the following summer to clean up the slash
and reduce the fire hazard, which also improved the skiability."
Other ski runs have since been opened Webmaster note: click on
Meany Names to see the various ski
runs that are part of Meany.
"The Packrat," a Thiokol Spryte Sno-Cat, was added to the Meany workforce this past winter. With the
Thiokol, Paul Bergman and his crew were able to groom the lower slopes, enabling many to handle snow
conditions previously managed only by the experts.
Many unique activities have developed at Meany. One of them, "Pack the Hill," involves sideslipping an
ungroomed area when adverse snow conditions dictate.
Then there is the "Kitchen Run," where daring skiers take a straight shot for the kitchen's back door
when heading for lunch. It's quite a jump if you're going fast enough.
The Carnival Weekend has been a big favorite with numerous crazy races and corny contests. It comes
complete with prizes, clowns and a colorful awards banquet.
On a normal weekend it's not unusual to see the skiers playing "gates." Each skiers swishes around the
other skiers and then becomes a slalom pole himself.
For the hardy and adventurous ones, there is "tube hockey" which consists of two teams attempting to
pursue a "puck" down the hill and through a goal. The puck is an innertube in a heavy canvas bag.
Behind on the hill a jumble of skiers is often left, replacing their bindings and collecting their gear.
Ski lessons under the direction of certified ski instructor Patti Polinsky-Claar, assisted by her
husband David Claar have been given the last few years with very satisfying results.
The year there was no snow "Meanyites" went ice skating on a nearby lake.
Improvised bits of fun frequently happen in the lodge - everything from making gingerbread houses, to
copper enameling, to the usual folkdancing and games.
Much of Meany's action is captured on film by Bob Benler and replayed each weekend as "Saturday Night
Movies.
The Hut has an ingenious cook, Peggy Grass, but most of the meal preperation and housekeeping tasks are
done by workshifts, whe each member taking his "turn." Ray Nelson, Hut Chairman, has smoothly
coordinated lodge activities and projects for the past twelve years.
Meany's history is not yet complete. Stories of past people and events, names addresses of Meany Old
Timers, photos and other mememtos are wanted. Contact Wanda Van DeVanter, 827-5415 or Walt Little,
322-2554 with such information
Meany Cartoons
Miscellaneous Announcements
Announcements posted in "The Mountaineer" for Meany's 50th Anniversary party
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The Mountaineer dated June 1978
Packrat to Help Celebrate Birthday Will You?
Meany Ski Hut will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary September 23 and 24. The hut's newest
hard-working regular, "Packrat", will be there. Will you? We hope every branch and activity in
The Mountaineers will schedule some event at Meany that weekend and then participate on Sunday
in the anniversary program and outdoor barbeque.
"Packrat" is a nickname given to Meany's new crew member, a Thiokol Spryte Sno-cat, which Paul
Bergman has driven all winter to pack Meany's lower slopes. It is like the sno-cats used in
commercial ski areas to groom the hills.
Since "Packrat" has changed the skiing area at the hut from ungroomed to semi-groomed, Meanyites
treasure the machine. In its revered pose, the packrat has become the subject of cartoons, such
as the one above drawn by artist Roy Nishiyori to be used on T-shirts.
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The Mountaineer dated July 1978
Walter B. Little Invites You to the Meany Hut Birthday Party!
You all remember Walt Little - he's been around Meany Ski Hut for years! If you never met him,
now is the time. He wants YOu to come to Meany on September 23-24 to help celebrate the fiftieth
year of the lodge's existence. We hope a thousand or more Mountaineers from all branches and
activities will gather in the Meany ski area that weekend. Save Sunday for the big program and
barbeque!
Since Walt started skiing at Meany in 1938, his engineering background and expertise have been
utilized for many of the Meany Complex improvements. His humor and wit have helped create the
lively and friendly Meany atmosphere.
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The Mountaineer dated August 1978
Schedule for Meany 50th Birthday Pary
September 23-24
All day Saturday and Sunday. Open house, lodge and grounds. Visit with old friends and
meet new ones. Frequent guided tours of the grounds. Games for children. All Mountaineers
invited to camp on the grounds. (No open fires)
Coordinated outings in the area planned byh other mountaineer committee. (see September
Bullietin).
Saturday, 7-8 pm. (or longer) Campfire Songfest led by the Musicmakers.
Saturday, 8-11 pm. Mountaineer folkdancing.
Sunday, 1:00 pm. Birthday Barbeque: Outdoor Indian style salmon dinner with gigantic
birthday cake. Party limit: 350. Prepaid Tickets only (see coupon).
Sunday 2-3 pm. Program commemorating 1928 dedication of Meany Hut and honoring past Hut
chairmen and other old timers.
All activities except salmon dinner are free and open to all.
Ticket Order for Meany Birthday Salmon Dinner, September 24
Please send tickets for
__ adults at $4 ! each
__ children 5 thru 11 years at $2 each
to: (name) ________________________
(address) _________________________
Checks payable to: The Mountaineers.
Mail coupon with payment not later than September 9 to
'Meany' c/o Virgina Reid, 20059 - 60th N.E., Seattle WA 98155.
Tickets may also be purchased at the Meany work party on September 9.
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The Mountaineer dated September 1978
Highlight of the Weekend, Sunday, 2 pm. "MEANY REDEDICATION" Bob Cram, old-time Meanyite
and well-known cartoonist and television personality, will be your host for a lively hour of
laughter and nostalgia and a look ahead to the next 50 years. Past and present lodge chairmen
will be honored guests. Royce Natoli, assisted by Meanyites and Mountaineer Players, is planning
lots more entertainment.
All Weekend. Open house in Meany Lodge. All Mountaineers are invited to camp on the
grounds. (No open fires; bring stove for cooking.) (No lodge signup except for working staff of
the celebration.) Sign up with the Clubroom if you plan to camp.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Hourly guided tours of the grounds. Picture shows.
Hourly showings of films and slides of Meany's past. Gallery of everybody's Meany snapshots. If
you have some pictures you are willing to share with us for the weekend, please bring them.
There will be a table for albums.
Saturday, 7-8 pm. (or as long as it lasts) Songfest around the campfire led by Nancy Adams
and the Musicmakers.
Saturday, 8-11 pm. folk dancing to live and recorded music led by Arne Svensson.
Sunday, 12:30 pm. Birthday Barbeque: Outdoor Indian style salmon dinner with gigantic
birthday cake. Tickets must be purchased in advance (see coupon below). Party limit: 350.
All activities except salmon dinner are free and open to all. For more information call
Virginia Reid (486-8677), Vern Wallace (941-2418), or Bob Grass (839-3168).
Ticket Order for Meany Birthday Salmon Dinner, September 24
Please send tickets for
__ adults at $4 ! each
__ children 5 thru 11 years at $2 each
to: (name) ________________________
(address) _________________________
Checks payable to: The Mountaineers.
Mail coupon with payment not later than September 9 to
'Meany' c/o Virgina Reid, 20059 - 60th N.E., Seattle WA 98155.
Tickets may also be purchased at the Meany work party on September 9.
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