06/17/2026
Crystella History Series
February 9, 1940
If you think there isn't a keen interest in winter sports in Crystal Falls, just take a look at the entry list for the first county ski tournament held at Caspian Sunday. Out ot 22 entries, 11 of them were from this city. And not only that, but a lion's share of the honors went to the Crystal Falls skiers.
Soderman's hill is rapidly becoming the town's most popular spot these days. A ski and toboggan slide have been constructed and crowds are literally swarming over the hill each night. The facilities at the hill are made available through the aid of “Vic" Soderman who "donated" his field and hill; to Mayor Pivatto who furnished lumber for the ski scaffold; to Elmer Soderberg, who supervised the construction of the ski slide; to the local WPA recreational directors and to many members of the Winter Sports Club who have worked tirelessly on the improvements that have made the hill a real spot for good clean fun.
CRYSTAL FALLS
SAVES THE DAY AT SKI TOURNEY
Half of Entries Are From This City; Cop Many Honors
A casual glimpse at the entry list in the ski tournament held as a part of the Iron County Winter Carnival on the county's west side last Sunday would indicate that Crystal Falls just about saved the day for the sponsors of the carnival.
In the ski jumping tournament there were 22 entries representing communities in the county and eleven of them were from Crystal Falls.
The cross-country race ended in a deadlock between Charles Kennedy, of this city, and Carl Ockerstrom, of Bates. They covered the two mile course in 39 minutes.
Angelo Albiero, jumping in the boys' division, took third place in a field of 17 with 108 points on jumps of 56 and 52 feet. Harry Peterson and Paul Lindwall, both of Stambaugh, placed first and second, respectively.
In the men's division, Bay Fabbri, of Crystal Falls, was tied for second place with jumps of 59 and 40 feet. He totaled 89 points with L. Johnson, of Casplan. Gilbert Omdahl, of Iron River was first among the men with 11 points. Steven Mindok, of Crystal Falls, placed fifth with jumps of 43 and 39 feet. An estimated crowd of more than 1,500 persons witnessed the ski tournament.
Results of all jumps follows:
