Olympic Silver, 1956 to 1971
The Olympics Are Coming!
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 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.
Marker can be reached from North Lake Boulevard (State Highway 26), on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
