A History of STRUM
and the TOWN OF UNITY
by Roy Matson
THIS IS PAGE 67 |  TABLE OF CONTENTSPAGE BACKPAGE FORWARD
the name “Viking Ski Club”, pronouncing the name correctly: “Veeking”. Plans were
suggested to have the hill surveyed in order to provide a steeper landing hill and a scaffold
to suit the underhill. Preliminary work was completed early the next summer. Ski
manufacturer Martin Strand provided prints of the proposed hill and work began during
late summer.

The depression was at its height, funds were non-existant, but enough time was spared
from farm jobs to begin excavating the landing hill. A pile driver hoist was obtained,
powered by a Model T Ford and before frost set in the lower part of the hill had been dug
out 4-5 feet and put in shape for winter snows. Poles were cut for a scaffold that towered
45 feet above the highest point on the knoll. It was completed after winter had set in, Only
one man, Alvin Nelson, was paid during this work. He was foreman of any crew that
appeared and often worked alone. But the job was done, snow was applied and brother
Rueben, best of the skiing family at that time, took the initial ride down the hill.
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