SKIING

Development of the Longview Ski Slope north of Dubuque along the Peru Road led to more record-breaking jumps in the early 1940s. Photo courtesy: John Gronen.

SKIING. Long before SUNDOWN, Dubuque was a mecca for skiing enthusiasts. In 1932 a Works Progress Administration project called for construction of a ski hill near the water pumping station at the future site of BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE. (1) Workers were supplied by Nicholas SUTTON, director of the Iowa Emergency Relief Administration. Much of the inspiration for the effort came from Ernest Keller, a Swiss immigrant, who is often credited with popularizing skiing in Dubuque. (2) Supervising the work was Carl Grabow, city recreation director, who expected experienced jumpers to reach 120 feet. At the time, this was considered an excellent feat for any area outside of traditional skiing areas.

Dubuque's first professional ski jump tournament was held on February 7, 1934 at the Bunker Hill site. (3) Joe Herreide of New Glarus, Wisconsin set the record at 57 feet. A record jump of 62 feet was established in 1935 by Ernest Keller.

The third annual tournament was held on January 12, 1936 with thirty-six skiers from Wisconsin and Iowa. The next year's tournament had to be cancelled due to weather. With high interest growing in the sport, the site was prepared for 120 foot jumps. Construction during the GREAT DEPRESSION was supplied when the County Board of Supervisors approved the city's first "work relief project." Workers were hired through the Works Progress Administration. (4)

Ski jumping tournaments continued annually. In 1938 a new record was set when Steve Egeness soared 77 feet. For beating the hill jump record of 72 feet, he won a medal from Carl Grabow. (5)

Long View c. 1947 Photo courtesy: Larry Friedman and Bob Reding

On February 4, 1940, skiers waited with anticipation for the opening of the LONGVIEW SKI JUMP off Peru Road. Built as a 300 foot jump, it was subject to high winds which closed a contest in 1941.

In the early 1960s Veterans Memorial Ski Hill began operating a downhill ski run along West 32nd Street. To keep skiers from sliding too far, bales of hay were stacked along the roadside. (7) In 1960, the City Recreation Commission voted to purchase and install a new ski tow at the Bunker Hill site. (8) Financed by the City, the site closed in 1982-1983 as a result of budget cuts and a drop in volunteer help. In 1991 remains of the short run could still be seen west of the intersection of North Grandview and West 32nd.

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Source:

1. Kruse, Len. "Ski Jumping in Dubuque," My Old Dubuque, Center for Dubuque History-Loras, 2000, p. 329

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid, p. 330

6. Ibid.

7. Lyon, Randolph. Personal observation

8. "Ski Tow is Promised For Bunker Hill Slope," Telegraph Herald, January 31, 1960, Dubuque News P. 3