History

The group was started in 2002 by a local pipe smoker, Eric Mathurin. It was a chance to see if others had any knowledge or experience to share with respect to pipe smoking. The numbers grew, meetings were held, and things ballooned from there. Some great times were had, and we even attracted some impressive guests to our meetings, such as pipe carver Philip Trypis and representatives from Brigham Enterprises (as well as contributions from Cornell & Diehl, PipesWorld.com and The Ottawa Cigar Emporium). But with Ottawa’s implemented smoking ban, the club took a heavy hit. Without indoor locations to gather and enjoy a pipe and each other’s company, we sherlockholmeswere left to the mercy of patios and Mother Nature. Numbers and interest dwindled, but the club stayed alive. Slowly, it moved to a small group of friends who would gather monthly at someone’s house to… well… enjoy a pipe and each other’s company.

Two of our longstanding members, Eric Stendal and Eric Mathurin, had moved out of Ottawa and we found our numbers quite diminished, but we could not let the pipe go out. So having taken over a point of contact (I hesitate to take on the term of “president”), it was time to get the word out. Flyers were put up, local shop owners were approached, and the message board came back to life.

In 2009, Eric Stendal returned to Ottawa. In speaking with a few fellows from work who had an interest in taking up the pipe, the idea of kickstarting this club up again is being discussed. It is hoped that those who show an interest in pipe & cigar smoking in the Ottawa area will be able to join the members of this club and catch the fire of pipe & cigar smoking in a big way!

Update

30 March 2024 and it’s time to fire up the ol’ club again. We’ll give it another shot to see if we can gather up the various pipe smokers in the greater Ottawa area to come together once a month at least for some camaraderie and share some tobaccos, show off their pipes, and spend time together over a bowl or two.