Happy Birthday to Olaus Jeldness
October 1st is Olaus Jeldness' Birthday!
In past years, we would bring everyone together for a fun celebration at the Museum or at Rossland Beer Company to share Olaus and other ski history tales - this year, we'll have to stick with a virtual celebration.
What was once heralded as a grand spectactor sport, ski jumping and downhill skiing are now massively popular sports enjoyed by many. In Rossland, this winter sport - now integral to the community spirit - was prompted by an enthusiastic Norwegian miner, Olaus Jeldness. Due to his passion and skills, the hills around are populated by people who love skiing and has developed our mountainside village into one of the province's ski meccas. Here is to Olaus Jeldness!
A virtual toast to you, on your 164th birthday!
Why is Olaus so important to Rosslanders?
The Spirit of Red Committee was responsible for the large sculpture of Olaus in downtown Rossland at the corner of Columbia and Washington. Listen to Roly and Raymond speak about their regard for Olaus and the experience of getting this much-loved and much-photographed statue.
The Spirit of Red Committee began their efforts in 2010, and by 2012, they had fundraised enough money to complete the statue. It was dedicated at the Winter Carnival celebrations in 2013.
Here are some great tales by the legendary and ever cheery, Richie Mann. Normally, he would be helping us entertain for Olaus' big day, but instead enjoy these pioneer ski tales from the comfort of your own home!
Contribute your own memories/experiences of skiing in Rossland or what Olaus Jeldness means to you:
The form below will email us your message. If you prefer to speak to us directly or have other questions or comments about this page, please call (250) 362-7722 or email the archives directly at archives @rosslandmuseum.ca