Presentation:  Snowshoe Thompson, “Viking of the Sierra” 

• Friday, May 12, 2023

• 6:30 pm – Social Time

• 7:00 pm – Program

• Presenter:  Duane Adams

• At Viking Hall

• Norwegian refreshments following the program – donations appreciated

Emigrating from Norway to America in 1827 at the age of 10, John “Snowshoe” Thompson became a legendary hero of the Sierras, and is credited as the father of skiing in California.  During the winters of 1856 to 1876, he carried the mail between Placerville, California and Genoa, Nevada.  Alone, he defied blizzards, avalanches, 20-50 foot snow depths and wild animals on a pair of homemade skis, carrying a 100 pound mail bag on the 180 mile, 5-day round trip, never realizing he would become a living legend.  His memory endures as one of the Golden State’s most remarkable men.