It was early in 1936 that Camden Outing Club began building the winter sports facility that was to become the Camden Snow Bowl.

"From its humble beginnings in 1936, the Camden Snow Bowl has grown in a manner that could never have been foreseen by its original builders," said Jack Williams in his book, The Camden Snow Bowl.

As part of the Winter History Series, the Camden Public Library and the Camden-Rockport Historical Society will offer a slide talk and discussion on "The History of the Camden Snow Bowl," at the Library on Sunday afternoon, January 21, at 2 p.m.

The slide talk will be drawn from the extensive Snow Bowl material at the Walsh History Center at the Library, and from Jack Williams's history of the Snow Bowl.

Organizers note with sadness and respect the recent passing of historian Jack Williams, with appreciation for his dedication and work in creating and documenting the Camden Snow Bowl. As he said in the last lines of his history book: "So many people have worked out in the cold so many times doing what they could to help! Others have come forward and donated money to various projects for their contribution. Still others have helped to physically build the facilities or have run food concession or sold tickets -- we are still benefitting from their labors. As long as volunteers are willing to pitch in and help, the Snow Bowl will continue to be an assets for future generations to enjoy. It is this spirit that makes Camden such a great place to be!"

Participants in the discussion will include Bob Annis, who was present at the construction of the original Lodge in 1937 (although he was only three years old at the time), Lawrence Nash, Mort Strom, Stuart Young, Beth Ward, and others.

Other speakers in the Winter History Series will include State Archivist Dave Cheever speaking about the Civil War on February 18; noted maritime and historical waterfront artist Loretta Krupinski on March 18; and Dr. Al Bennett speaking on Cyrus Curtis and his yacht Lyndonia on April 15.