Interrelated Contents Taken From
“A Background Essay”
Written For the Club’s 50th Anniversary Party
May 1, 2010
When Jug & Mug began as a singles social group in 1960, Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House, Elvis Presley’s latest hit was “It’s Now or Never,” and Michigan’s governor was G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams.
Jim Foote, son of a Lansing car dealer, started it all with three skiing friends: Tom McDonald, Dick Zimmerman, and George Kuhn. Kuhn recalls that Foote came up with the “Jug & Mug” name to symbolize a good-time spirit.
Word of mouth brought together about 40 single men and women to the first organizational meeting in the Elks Club on downtown Allegan Street, according to Roger Boettcher, an early member.
Lansing’s Jug & Mug Ski Club took to the snowy ski slopes, bars, dance halls, house parties, resorts, casinos, and softball fields for year-round fellowship with other singles.
Singles met and married over the years. Nevertheless “Stay Single and Ski” was the Club’s sassy motto.
Several of those married and exiled and formed their own social wing known as the Hearth and Hill Ski Club.
Jug & Mug Ski Club continues to offer 4-season social activities for singles, 21 years of age. As of May 2017, former married members and current members who marry, can be members of the Club.
The Jug & Mug Ski Club is in search of additional historical information. Contact the Club’s President if you have information to share.