1940s — 1950s
Weekly Friday night dances began in the 1930s and continued during the wartime years of 1941-1945, though about 30 men were away in military service. Enough men dancers remained to have a good attendance each week. Members had the chance to learn several folk dances.
An Obstacle Hike at Piny Canyon near Hastings received full page coverage in the Pioneer Press on Sunday, May 31, 1942. 50 hikers clamored over this 3 mile route.
Charles Kuhlman who was identified in the paper as participating in the Obstacle hike, entered the armed service in July 1942. He embarked for overseas in February 1945 and was killed in action while attempting to aid a wounded comrade
April 25, 1945 in Czechoslovakia.
The club raised funds to put up a memorial bench of Vermont Marble in Mounds Park. The bench
was later damaged by
vandals. It was removed for
protection and later placed in Como Park.
Florence Brennan, Trail Blazer editor, also wrote the Grapevine Gazzette, a compilation of club news, hikes descriptions, and humor that was sent to all hiking club members in the armed forces.
In the post -war years the club started using group camps in the state parks for some weekend trips. St. Croix State Park became established as the location for Labor Day weekends every year.
In 1952 the club began offering annual privately-organized vacation trips to members.
The bus pictured here took members to the Black Hills in 1952.
In the late 1950's the club had grown to 200 members. The 1957—1958 annual report lists 49 Sunday, 45 Tuesday evening hikes, three all day hikes, three 2-day and one 3-day excursions, one bus trip, one train trip.