finnishhall

Our History

The conception of the idea for a Finnish Ski Club came from many talks at the conclusion of many meetings of the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters at Lodge 21 in Berkeley, CA. It was during these meetings that talks often drifted toward skiing and how the inclusion of a ski club might create more activities for younger members.

Finally, a small group thought it might be a good idea to get some ideas together. Thus, on Nov. 23, 1943, the name Kaleva Ski Club was selected in connection with our Mother Lodge, the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters. A collection plate accumulated its first donations, entered into the accounting of the first of many incomes. And members celebrated this first step and first official meeting of the Kaleva Ski Club with coffee, pulla and other tasty Finnish pasteries.

Since that time, many activities and work parties have been held at the Kaleva Ski Club site that led to the production of a beautiful ski lodge for all to enjoy. Such projects included the building of outhouses for the men and women, framing and constructing the wings that would create dormitories for both men and women, gathering firewood, and finally a replacement sauna project… that members continue to work to complete, today.

The words of one of the Kaleva Ski Club’s earliest members echoes the spirit of many active members, today. Ted Jalo said, “I can say without any reservations that the ten of us who started the Kaleva Ski Club could never dream of how successful it would become. It has taken a lot of hard work, strong effort, and donations from many gracious people. I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who participated in helping us in the creation of the ski lodge.”

Ski Club meetings are held on the the 4th Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Ski Club Room.