Frances Humphrey Lecture Series “John A ‘Snowshoe’ Thompson, ‘Mailman of the Sierra’ and Father of Snow Skiing in California” Chautauqua by Steve Hale

The story of John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson is not one of simply the extraordinary physical endurance needed to carry the mail on “snow-shoes” (now “skis”) over the desolate high Sierra, but one of compassion and earning the respect of his fellow man through integrity and honesty. Between 1856 and 1876, the “Mailman of the Sierra” delivered the U.S. mail between post offices in Genoa, Nevada, and Hangtown (now Placerville), California. Thompson traversed the daunting Sierra Nevada mountains alone, twice a month on skis in the winter, to deliver the mail in a sack weighing as much as 100 pounds on his back. He lived, worked and raised his family with wife Agnes and son Arthur in Diamond Valley, while devoting himself to selflessly giving back to the Carson Valley area as a neighbor, businessman and in public service. Thompson’s Norwegian stamina, spirit and homemade wooden “snow-shoes” made the legend we know of today, but his dedication to the mail and unwavering devotion to his family, community and fellow man have permanently established him in American western history.
This lecture will be presented in person only. Admission is $10 for adults. Members and children 17 and under are free.
Go to NSMConnect to reserve a seat at the in-person lecture.