The awards were presented to Bill Klein, who pioneered Summit ski instruction and so helped popularize the sport; Johnny Ellis, who built the first rope tow on Donner Summit and so helped make skiing accessible; and Dennis Jones, who also helped develop Summit ski instruction.
Bill; Johnny’s 91 year old widow, Evelyn Ellis; and Dennis’ niece. Starr Walton Hurley shared memories of the Summit and accepted the awards in front of the many celebrants.
Norm Sayler, is really at home in front of a microphone, was the M.C. He is the founding president of the historical society. He kept the crowd entertained with stories and a description of the beginning of the modern ski area on Donner Summit.
Next year, the actual Grand Opening will be held with presentations to three more Summit pioneers. That will be on August 14, Saturday, 2010. If you missed this year’s you’ll want to be even more sure to put the date in your calendar.
There were a number of important and/or well known people in attendance: Jennifer Montgomery, Placer County supervisor; John Olmsted, famous naturalist’ Jack Duncan, author; Mark McLaughlin, author; Arthur Sommers, author; Hank Schwartz, who ran Northstar for many years; Jay Price, who ran Boreal for many years; Don Belden, was Sugar Bowl’s mountain manager for years; and Pat Malberg, the Placer County district 5 western slope supervisor’s representative.
A good time was had by all.
You can see a YouTube clip of Bill Klein's presentation filmed by author Mark McLaughlin at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtkqfV4m6Xw You will need to cut and paste this.)
Pictured above top the crowd; Pat and Don Malberg; Sharon Ruffner, David Africa (DSHS board member) and Bob Ruffner; Summit Pioneer honoree Evelyn Ellis, her son, Norm Sayler (DSHS president/founder) and honoree Bill Klein; Lance Sayler and Ms Mercer; Christina Oldenburg, Sue Busby and David Africa; John Olmsted and Margie Powell (DSHS board member and founder).