This Olympian Biography project was completed 2006 in memory of Essie Whittemore who was such a faithful spectator at so many winter sport events. Essie’s husband, Stan, and we at the museum saw the need for a comprehensive Olympian biography resource that would connect researchers at the museum with our rich Olympic heritage. Researchers can access this information on our webisite (www.treadofpioneers.org) and in our research center (on computer and in a book).

Although museum staff made every attempt to contact the Olympians directly to acquire biographies and essential information from the Olympians themselves, only some responded to our requests. As a result, museum staff researched the Olympians using a variety of sources: the U.S. Olympic Committee, books, internet/websites and museum research files.

A very special thanks goes out to Stan Whittemore and Ed and Jayne Hill for thier donations to this project; and museum staff member Gail Hanley who spent countless hours compiling the information and research.

We would also like to thank the countless others who helped us by providing information: the Olympians who responded to our requests; Mike Lane of the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation; the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; the U.S. Olympic Committee; Tom Bie and his Steamboat: Ski Town USA book (information and photo usage) and Surva Towler for her History of Skiing in Steamboat Springs book (reference only).

We are proud to announce that this section of our website won a 2007 Award of Excellence from yampavalley.info. We hope you enjoy learning about the many Olympians who have shared ties to Steamboat Springs and our Olympic tradition!

Sincerely,


Candice Lombardo, Director
Tread of Pioneers Museum