Maine has a rich history of skiing dating back to 1870, when 21 families were recruited from Stockholm, Sweden to help settle Northern Maine. The climate and topography were very similar and Governor Joshua Chamberlain thought the hard working Swedish temperament was just what was called for to settle the vast virgin forests of Aroostook County.

They cut roads, built villages and made new lives for themselves. They also brought skiing with them to their new home as an inseparable part of their lifestyle. During the winter they skied for transportation and hunting - and also for recreation. Soon after their arrival, winter carnivals began to emerge with sprinting races, jumping competitions and eventually, marathon races that covered 180 miles in four days. These were truly hearty people who loved the winter. These Swedes were not only hearty outdoors people, they were also craftsmen who took a lot of pride in building the best skis. One of those best examples was found on a pair of skis belonging to a Walter Norbeck, who was born in Woodland, Maine in 1895. Mr. Norbeck's skis had a distinctive design on the tip of his skis.

Shortly after the creation of the Maine Winter Sports Center an article was written for the Bangor Daily News that talked about the proud history of skiing in Aroostook County. A picture of Mr. Norbeck's skis was included in the article and the design caught our attention.

We were looking for a logo for our company and the simplicity and authenticity of the design was perfect to communicate our mission of re-establishing the skiing lifestyle that was such an integral part of the fabric of life in much of Maine from the 1870's through the late 1970's. We have tried to find out the story behind the design and have not come up with anything yet, but we are still looking.

Mr. Norbeck's skis, along with over a dozen exceptional examples of hand made skis from the "Swedish Colony" can still be seen at the New Sweden Historical Society, off Station Road in New Sweden, Maine. The museum is open from the beginning of June though September, and during the rest of the year, interested persons may visit the museum by special arrangement by calling one of the following Historical Society Board members:

• Gary Dickinson (207) 896-5844
• Alwin Eslping (207) 896-5639
• Wendell Spooner (207) 896-5561
• Janice McDougal (207) 492-2790
• Bill Duncan (207) 896-3471