The story of Lac Bernard’s Clubhouse began in the spring of 1948 when a property at #30 Chemin Christopher was purchased from Harry McClelland for $400.
Championed by teenagers of the lake who wanted to build a meeting place, the purchase was enthusiastically endorsed by the members of the Lake Bernard Cottagers Association, and because it was a legal entity recognized by Québec, the deed was signed over to the Lake Bernard Fishing Club.
Many people including Joseph O’Hara (the oldest surviving member of the earliest pioneer settler family at Lac Bernard – and Leyton Woods’ maternal grandfather) pitched in to help. By the beginning of August 1948, volunteers had built the structure.
It was officially opened by Brigadier C.B. Topp, President of the Fishing Club. The entire initiative was supported by donations of time, money (in particular, Mrs Charles Ogilvie) and materials.
The Future of The Clubhouse
Now that the non-profit, les Amis, is the owner of the Clubhouse, members are planning to rejuvenate summer programming at The Clubhouse and make improvements to the facilities. In time, we hope to add new and exciting events and activities tailored to today’s interests, at The Clubhouse and elsewhere, inspired by and carrying on the great Lac Bernard tradition begun in 1948.
The Clubhouse quickly became a hub for community activity – especially for the lake’s youth. Bingos and dances were particularly popular. People arrived mostly by boat at a dock built in 1948 and reached The Clubhouse on a right-of-way through Harry McClelland’s property. In 1959, the Association expanded the property to its current size by purchasing additional land from McClelland for $200. In 2014, The Clubhouse deed was formally transferred to the Owners’ and Residents’ Association of Lac Bernard (ORALB).
