Creole was the Talk of the Town

Once practiced by a few hardy souls, by the early 1920s skiing in Park City was becoming a community celebration of winter. The Park Record newspaper issued March 5, 1922, reported that ski enthusiasts had turned out the previous Sunday for a gala day of sport on Treasure Hill. Men and boys were "shooting," "jumping" and "racing" in every direction. A four-foot jump was constructed for kids to execute many undignified and mirth-provoking spills. One succeeded, after two spills, to ride the outrun. And a large number of spectators congregated on Main Street during the afternoon, exclaiming, laughing and enjoying the spectacle as much as those on the hill.

By November 1925, according to the Park Record, local ski enthusiasts were grooming the "ideal ski course" on Treasure Hill west of town, and converting the old Creole mine dump into a ski jump. Creole Hill, which eventually sported a wooden jumping platform, became a popular place for children to gather and jump. Among the participants at the annual school tournament in March 1932 were more than 175 boys from the first through the eighth grades of the local Lincoln and Jefferson elementary schools. About 700 fans lined the course. In the group photo above, Barry Thielke, John Spendlove, Craig Rasmussen, Cornell Diamond, Don Young, Bill "Shog" Bailey and Lowell Diamond pause on their way up the hill during a jump in 1936.

For more information about the history of winter sports in Park City, visit the new exhibit at the Park City Museum at 528 Main Street or call (435)649-7457. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday noon to 6:00pm. Docent guided museum tours are available by appointment.