Tahoe City in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Olympic Silver, 1956 to 1971

The Olympics Are Coming!

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010

1. Olympic Silver, 1956 to 1971 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

News that the 1960 Winter Olympics were coming to tiny Squaw Valley and to Lake Tahoe’s West Shore marked a milestone in Tahoe City development. All at once Lake Tahoe became known world-wide. Many new facilities were built for the Olympics, with the area benefiting from the boom.

Since 1960, Lake Tahoe has become a training ground for many Olympic athletes and world-renowned sports figures. Following the Olympics, area development went unchecked through 1971. A building moratorium followed by the enactment of regulations resulted in more managed growth.

Tahoe City is now a year-round destination.

Notable People
Carl “the Hawk” Bechdolt – Owner of Tahoe City Golf Course • William “Uncle Bill” Bechdolt – Owner of Tahoe Inn • William “Bill” Briner – Manager of Tahoe City Public Utilities District • William “Bill” Conners – Owner of Tahoe City Chevron • Lillian Vernon Farr – Teacher, author, historian • Albert “Al” Henry – Fire chief for 35 years • Oliver M. “Ollie” Henrikson – Developer

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of O.M. Henrikson Building • James “Jimmy” Heuga – Resident and Olympic medalist • Harry Johanson – Constable for 34 years, built jail • Fred Main – Manager of Tahoe Boat Company • Robert “Bob” Pomin – Builder of piers and docks for 25 years • Milton “Jay” Schontz – Pharmacist and owner of Jay’s Drugs • Stubb Stollery – Founded Tahoe City World newspaper • Martin Spitsen – Founded Tahoe City Lumber Co.

Erected 2008 by Rotory Club of Tahoe City.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.

Location. 39° 10.292′ N, 120° 8.4′ W. Marker is in Tahoe City, California, in Placer County. Marker can be reached from North Lake Boulevard (State Highway 26), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at Heritage Plaza next to the Watson Cabin Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 560 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City CA 96145, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tahoe City Begins, 1860 to 1895 (here, next to this marker); Pioneer Tourism, 1896 to 1926 (here, next to this marker); Southern Pacific, 1926 to 1945 (here, next to this marker); Post War, 1946 to 1955 (here, next to this marker);

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010

2. Olympic Silver, 1956 to 1971 Marker

Early Tahoe City (a few steps from this marker); Tahoe City (a few steps from this marker); Tahoe City’s “Big Tree” (a few steps from this marker); The Watson Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tahoe City.

Also see . . . The VIII Olympic Winter Games - Squaw Valley, USA. At that time, the 1960 Winter Games were the largest ever held, with 34 nations competing in 15 alpine and ski jumping events, 8 speed skiing contests, 3 figure skating competitions and 28 hockey matches. (Submitted on August 26, 2010.)

Heritage Plaza - Location of the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 16, 2010

3. Heritage Plaza - Location of the Marker

Squaw Valley - Site of the VIII Winter Games - 1960 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle

4. Squaw Valley - Site of the VIII Winter Games - 1960

The snow seen on the mountain is from an early October storm.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,029 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on November 1, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on October 21, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.