By Anne Stairs

At the turn of the 20th century, a group of local cottage owners and residents came together to establish what would become a cornerstone of Knowlton’s summer life: the Brome Lake Boating Club (BLBC). The goal was simple—to support the sporting and social life of the community and to further enhance Knowlton’s reputation as a premier summer resort.

1909 and Beyond

Founded in 1909, BLBC is the second-oldest club of its kind in Quebec, following the North Hatley Club. Now in its 124th year, the club continues to thrive, creating cherished summer memories by the lake.

The original clubhouse? It was actually a former ice house, dragged across the lake and repositioned on the current club site. The building was remodeled with a wraparound veranda on three sides and a large balcony suspended over the water—ideal for spectating sailing races or tennis matches.

Expanding the Shoreline

Beginning in 1901, the club started expanding its territory by leasing additional lakefront land. Over the years, BLBC added to its property through purchases, leases, and generous gifts from families like the Bancrofts, who contributed most of the land. The railway granted key rights of way, and further contributions came from Florence Pettes Thornton after WWII and John O’Brien in 1979.

A Sporting Tradition

• Tennis courts were introduced in 1925, on land leased from the South Eastern Railway.
• In 1931, the club transitioned from a not-for-profit into an incorporated entity, leasing the original club’s assets for $1. It returned to non-profit status in 1991.

The club’s first sailing trophy was donated in 1928 by Philip Fisher, a skilled sailor and owner of Alva House. Over time, more families contributed trophies as the club expanded its programs in sailing, tennis, and regattas. These trophies and their winners are still proudly displayed on the boards in the main hall.

A New Clubhouse and Lasting Traditions

By 1956, the original clubhouse had become unsafe, and a new one was constructed—set farther back from the shoreline than its predecessor.

The annual Regatta became the highlight of the summer, drawing not only members but also competitors and guests from nearby towns. Inter-club tennis traditions still endure, especially with partners like the North Hatley Club and Hermitage Club in Magog.

A vibrant Ladies’ Committee played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s social life, organizing fundraisers, dances, masquerades, and children’s stunt nights. Notably, the committee also hosted a yearly picnic for blind children from Montreal.

A Bilingual, Modern Legacy

Today, the Brome Lake Boating Club continues to grow and adapt. With a bilingual membership and a modern summer program, the club remains a vital and welcoming hub where generations gather to create lasting memories.

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Tempo thanks the Musée Lac-Brome Museum and the archives of Painting the Leaves Green: Memories of the Brome Lake Boating Club 1901–1998 for the images and historical research used in this article.