School House Ski Hill site recognized

The Iola Historical Society recently set its ninth historical marker at the site of the former School House Ski Hill.

Historic Iola No. 9 is located on the corner of West State Street and Summit Street on the property of Shirley Shuda.

The first jump activities on School House Ski Hill were on Feb. 28, 1909. The first organized ski jumping competition was held on this hill on Jan. 30, 1910, by the Iola Ski Club, which was the predecessor of the Iola Winter Sports Club (IWSC).

“The 100th anniversary of the IWSC was the reason I launched the marker program,” said Greg Loescher, chair of the Historic Marker program. “An important part of Iola’s history and heritage, the IWSC is still an active part of the community.”

The first historic marker was unveiled in February 2010 at the Iola Winter Sports Club. Other markers include: Father’s Day Fire, Birthplace of Numismatic News, First Iola Old Car Show, Iola’s Early History, Dr. Loope/Wisconsin Badgers Football, Spud Alley and First Krause Publications Building.

The historic markers are funded by the Iola Historical Society. For more information or to make a donation, contact [email protected], call 715-445-4652, or visit www.iolahistoricalsociety.org.