Reflection on Winter Transportation Memories in Trail

This week, now that winter has come, let's look back at the most exciting and efficient forms of winter transportation in these hills we inhabit.

Sleds and sleighs were common sights on our downtown streets, much like this makeshift bobsled pictured on Spokane Street in the late 1920s.

In those days, our streets and highways were not crowded with cars and trucks like we know today.

The Trail of Memories book, published in 1997 featuring Trail family history between 1895 and 1945, makes reference to plenty of bobsled adventures.

Faust Angerilli recalled growing up alongside the Tognotti brothers and taking rides down Schofield Highway on George's bobsled he called, "The Red Demon."

James Crispin wrote about the Farnham family in East Trail, that had one "two and a half feet wide and twelve feet long with runners like a horse drawn sleigh."

Sheila Ferguson, born a Downie, spoke of a close call on a bobsled, "coming from the water tower and down Lookout Street onto Nelson Avenue...we almost hit a Snappy Service truck!"

Jim McLuckie spoke extensively about his experience in Shaver's Bench:

"Winter in Trail was great fun, especially sleigh-riding. There were many hills and very few cars so it was quite a safe sport. Bobsledding was fun, as six could enjoy a run together. This brings to mind when Steve and Peter Zuk took Ron Cook and me up the Shavers Bench hill for a bobsled ride during recess from East Trail school. We were coming around the first corner, going like hell, when we heard the school bell ring. Steve yelled for us to hang on; he took a short cut over the bank and down the ski hill, which ended up with a ski jump. Up in the air we flew and landed right side up. As we ran towards the school, we could see Mrs. Morrish standing in the doorway with fire in her eyes. We got a tongue lashing and had to promise never to do it again."

Reg Mortimer recalls the sledding antics of Arnold Laarz, who used to ride from Hendry Street, along Nelson Avenue, then down Spokane Street to the Crown Point Hotel. Hendry Street was apparently a great sleighing and skiing hill in those days.

Likely the most harrowing of journeys were those taken on the Rossland hill.

Joe Tatangelo shared a fantastic story about his father Enrico "Teeks" and Aunt Elisa.

"In the wintertime, Elisa and Teeks would bobsled down the Rossland Hill and get pulled back up by a passing truck, or if a train was heading up to Rossland they would throw the sled on the train and hop on it for the ride back up the hill."

Ruby Gibson, born a Walker, mentions similar adventures: "In the winter, we would hike to Rossland, toast our feet in old Bob's oven in the LD cafe, while enjoying a cup of coffee and a rest, after which we'd pick up a bobsled or two shipped up on the train for 35 cents. The ride to Trail was swift, down St. Paul Street and on below the golf course."

Now mainly a pastime for children, and those adults with the stamina, we do get the pleasure of a true bobsledding experience at the Rossland Winter Carnival every year and admire all those who participate.

Pictured here, left to right, are some of Trail's bobsled enthusiasts: Pete Corrado, G.B. Fillipelli, Mystery DiPasquale, Agostino Baresse, Mike Conci, Angelo Benedet, Egisto Decembrini.

Do you have any bobsledding stories? Share your memories with us!

Sarah Benson-Lord manages the Trail Museum and Archives and Visitor Centre.