Ad in the Sacramento Union (1855)
People Lost to the World; Uncle Sam Needs a Mail Carrier
People Lost to the World; Uncle Sam Needs a Mail Carrier
We meet at the Faith Lutheran Church, on the second Thursday of the month around 6:00pm or 6:30pm, generally. The entrance we use is in back, in the Bordsen Cookie Room.
Faith Lutheran Church
1000 D St.
Marysville, CA 95901
INSCRIPTION:
SNOWSHOE THOMPSON
A hero of the Sierra Nevada Mountains!
Probably the first skier of the West. This Viking son of Norway, exemplified the spirit of a true pioneer. Strong, daring, faithful and courageous he was the answer to California’s motto
Bring Me Men to Match My Mountains.
For 20 years he was the winter lifeline between the new State of California and the East with a regular mail schedule between Placerville, California and Genoa, Nevada and other isolated hamlets of the Mother Lode Country. Mail, news of the world, medicine, supplies, and equipment arrived on the sturdy shoulders of this giant snow Viking. Over great snowdrifts through raging winter storms with packs of up to 100 pounds, he made his appointed rounds. His daring rescues, errands of mercy and many kindnesses made him a legend in his own time.
He was born John Tostensen at Tinn in Telemark, Norway April 30, 1827. He died May 15, 1876, at the age of 49. He rests at the base of the mountains he loved, by the side of his wife and son in the cemetery at Genoa, Nevada. A simple headstone, engraved with a pair of skis, marks his grave.
ERECTED BY
SNOWSHOE THOMPSON LODGE NO 78
SONS OF NORWAY, YUBA CITY, CALIF MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
HAROLD MOORE, A.J. MAC Mc CABE, STANLEY MOE SCULPTOR
ANGUS KENT LAMAR
Established in 1928, this charity uses collected postage stamps and other collectible donations to raise funds for children with special needs and tuberculosis.
Food Pantry at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church that provides nutrition for people in need.
1390 Franklin Road
Yuba City, CA 95993
Linda Elementary School
6180 Dunning Ave
Marysville, CA 95901
Mary Covillaud Elementary School
628 F St.
Marysville, CA 95901
Encouraging people to go skiing for a cause, often supporting people with disabilities or mental health challenges through community activities.
Ski for Light WebsiteSupport for Camp Norge, a 46-acre Sons of Norway recreational property in Alta, California.
Camp Norge Century Club WebsitePromoting the memory of John "Snowshoe" Thompson through events and activities.
Provides scholarships, community grants, and disaster/humanitarian aid.
Established in 1966.
Sons of Norway Foundation Website