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It was a dark and stormy night when a group of settlers from Saskatchewan huddled together in a rundown hut on the bald prairie of Calgary. They had taken their wagons west in search of great fortune and gathered in the village of Calgary on the Bow to start over.
Yes, the years in Saskatchewan were hard yet rewarding in many ways, but each in their hearts knew that settling in this new and wondrous place would be the start of a fantastic journey for themselves and their families (cue soulful violins).
Now here they were, far, far from the place of their birth, speaking a language that few Calgarians understood, wearing vestures of green, complaining of the bad weather (rain or shine, torrid or frigid) and lonesome for the wide open skies, the lakes of their youth and the smell of a freshly popped cap of Pilsener.
They were each happy in their own personal way, yet longed for a taste of home… of the motherland… of Saskatchewan.
A grizzled old couple by the name of Myron and Robin gathered together this virtual who’s who of ex-patriates and the meeting began in earnest.
The meetings were indeed... spirited affairs!
The year was 1992, a time so long ago that faxes still were in use, a time when you could still buy a cup of coffee for a dollar and where the spectre of Jean Chretien had not yet darkened the hallways of 24 Sussex Drive.
It was a much simpler time. People back then knew not of Google, other than it being a term steeped in lewdness and voyeurism.
We digress.
Anyway… this dynamic group decided that since a number of green blooded residents of Calgary were wandering aimlessly on city streets in search of their roots and a common purpose, that an organization of dynamic potential be struck, whose mandate was to carry forth the ideals of Saskatchewan life, love and liberty.
In short, we would have a group of people to drink with when the occasion warranted. To this end, the Saskatchewan Social Club was born, with Myron Cooper bludgeoned into the president’s chair.
Myron, with the assistance of a merry band of dedicated men and women, piloted the club for two years before retiring to stud. In that time such things as Rider Game festivities, the bonspiel and the small town pub crawls became staples of the SSC.
Since that time the club has added a number of interesting and fun activities, including the Saskatchewan Scramble Golf Tournament, Rider Ripper football bashes, Car Rallies, Glo-Bowling Nights, Legion Drop-ins, Naked Mazola Twister and a host of entertaining endeavours which both shocked and delighted participants.
This is the Readers Digest version of the Sask Social Club’s beginnings. Humble in creation, big on attitude, tenacious in striving for the perfect party, we are THE SASKATCHEWAN SOCIAL CLUB!
The history before you is as honest as we dare admit. The storied past of this great organization is chock full of interesting characters and stories we dare not reveal.
To those who ponder the possibility of becoming a member of the Saskatchewan Social Club of Calgary, we admonish you to remember one thing... this is but a gathering of simple folks, with the sole intent of having a good time.
We like nothing better than to put on a big swanky "do" that people can come to and let down their hair (should they have any).
We invite you to take part in the things we do and we encourage you to tell your friends about it.
The ball's in your court, matey!
Myron Cooper, man of North Battleford. One who was both feared and admired as the Saskatchewan Social Club’s first President. With Stalin-like precision he methodically plotted his empire until one day after an ill advised amount of Molson product, he declared himself Emperor and was summarily overthrown by those who actually owned the said Molson product. Breakage of the basic rule…quaff not of endearing golden nectar belonging to another. Ah, but we miss him…
Nonie Heinrich, vixen of Davidson. The first women President in the history of the Saskatchewan Social Club (given the fact that this was only the 2nd presidency). Under Nonester’s unwavering leadership, the club leapt to unprecedented heights. So awesome were the results that she was lovingly referred as the Goddess of Fun by the raging masses under her rule. She retired as an influential woman with many board appointments.
Ron Taylor, back room power monger of Regina. The first urbanite to ascend to the thrown was primarily responsible for making sure that he was at every stinkin’ social club function there was (and some that no one had thought of yet). His claim was to take upon himself the awesome task of assembling massive throngs of people to attend Rider games and parties. (tough job, eh?). His two year term ended with a plumb job as ambassador to Taylor Field.
John Christensen, King of Saskatoon. This giant of a man came to the Sask Social Club board after a dynamic career as a Sask Social Club Board member. The most senior of all Presidents, John brought wisdom and a benevolent manner to his rule, yet had no problem kicking somebody’s butt all the way around the block to make a point. His legacy remains as the man who can drink the most rum out of the smallest glasses.
Jennifer O’Carroll, pub crawl maven of Regina. Jen’s meteoric rise to the top was punctuated with bouts of unprecedented socializing. The queen of all that is pub crawl, Jen single-handedly fostered relationships with every small town bar within a 75 mile radius of Calgary. This of course resulted in many kickbacks from the bars and umpteen proposals from countless lonely ranch hands. She, however, remains steadfast in her pursuit of Chris Szarka and was mourned by millions of people when she stepped down.
Larry Verniest of tropical Miami, Manitoba. Larry came to the top job after a scandal, patterned after the George Bush atrocity in Florida. Luckily this once volatile tyrant was able to round up a number of associates from the Mustard Seed to stuff the ballot box. As the only non-Saskatchewan born president of the club, he even journeyed to Saskatoon where he learned the way of the Saskatchewanian, returning much the wiser. Now a compassionate and more kindly President, Larry always looked out for the little guy, often bumming drinks as he helped him onto the bar stools.
Ron Taylor (again?). Yup, a sucker for punishment, Ron returned to lead a provisional government after yet another Verniest scandal. (I think this one involved running out of mix at his latest party). After many years in exile, this inordinately gifted politician, with encouragement from first lady, Deb has moved swiftly to trim the fat from the budget and divert it toward the mega-project construction of a go-train to Grey Cup in Regina. Hammered into final retirement by the relentless pressure to perform, the old guy, now quietly raises tomatoes and bums nickels from the people at his cabin to feed his Lemon Hart rum urges.
Saskatchewan Social Club of Calgary, Box 61089, Kensington Postal Outlet, Calgary Alberta, T2N 4S6
Social Club Info Line (403) 818-7741