Madelon M. Ottman, 97
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. â€' Madelon Mary Ottman, 97, of 58 Langlois Ave. died Monday, April 20, 2009, at Sweet Brook Care Centers. She was a pioneer for women in the local ski industry and was a founding member and manager of the former Dutch Hill Ski Area in Heartwellville, Vt.
Born in North Adams on April 2, 1912, daughter of James and Julia Houlton Mulroney, she graduated from the former St. Joseph's High School and the former Bliss Business College. She also had resided in Clarksburg at one time. She worked as a cashier-bookkeeper for 13 years at the former System Co. and for three years at the former James Brackley Wholesale Magazine Co.
She began skiing as a child and became an accomplished racer, winning medals in local competitions. She was a member and treasurer of the North Adams Ski Club at the very beginnings of the ski industry in the Berkshire in the 1930s. Led by then-President Webster Ottman, whom she would marry years later, the club purchased a ski tow off Whitcomb Summit to create its own three-trail ski area on the slopes of Mount Greylock.
With the success of the ski club, Mr. Ottman saw a future in skiing, according to a history of Dutch Hill written by Mrs. Ottman. He purchased 46 acres in Heartwellville from the Connecticut River Valley Corp. in 1943; the land included the nearly 2,500-foot Dutch Hill, 5 miles from the Massachusetts border. Several partners were involved in the operation, which expanded to nearly 400 acres.
According to a 1966 account in the Bennington (Vt.) Banner, horses were used to drag construction materials to the top of the mountain and then-North Adams Ski Club President John Hockridge paid the first $1 to ski. The same article said Mrs. Ottman was "considered to be one of the best PR directors in the business" and that she'd "tackle practically any job."
In fact, Mrs. Ottman assisted in all aspects of the operation, including designing trails, clearing land, operating heavy equipment and dynamiting ledges. She was said to be the first woman to drive a Tucker Sno Packer. Hired as secretary and bookkeeper, she quickly realized the need for publicity, writing snow reports, contacting local news media and sending out postcards.
"My little 'Dutch Boy' soon became famous and much of my weekly postcards were used by press â€' TV and radio!" she wrote in her history.
Mrs. Ottman would be assistant manager and publicity director for the ski area from 1945 until it was sold in 1968. She also taught in its ski school. She would take her years of experience to the then Jiminy Peak Ski Area in Hancock as administrative assistant and general manager until her retirement in 1977.
She contributed to articles in Ski Magazine, Ski Bulletin and other publications and was the 36th woman elected to the National Ski Patrol. She was secretary-treasurer of the Vermont Ski Operators Association for many years and a member of the New England Ski Operators Association board of directors.
An active outdoorswoman, she enjoyed bicycling throughout New England and Canada, and bowling, swimming, mountain climbing, travel and flower gardening. A golfer, she was a member of the North Adams Country Club for 25 years, serving as treasurer and on its board. She also was the former treasurer of the Briggsville Women's Club in Clarksburg and volunteered for the United Way and American Red Cross and several other charities.
She was a communicant of the former St. Francis of Assisi Church in North Adams and a member of its Rosary Society. She was a charter member of the Rosary Society Bowling League and active in the church bazaar.
Her husband, whom she married April 17, 1967, in St. John Bosco Church in Stamford, Vt., died in 1979.
She leaves nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her stepson, Roger Ottman, and her siblings Marcella Mulroney, Agnes Mulroney, Anthony Mulroney and Raymond Mulroney.
FUNERAL NOTICE â€' A Memorial Mass for Mrs. Ottman will be celebrated Monday, April 27, at 11 from St. Elizabeth's Church. Burial will be private and there will be no calling hours. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247 is in charge of arrangements.