The scrapbooks that have been around the homestead for almost as many years and passed on from one generation to the next indicate that ski jumping began in the area around 1926. The first Tokle (Kyrre, the eldest of the five brothers) appeared in 1932. Since that time, the trek to Salisbury has been somewhat of a family tradition. Torger Tokle skied in this country from 1939-1944, and established a legacy that became known throughout the sport of ski jumping. In 1948, the first winter that Art Tokle, Sr. was to jump in Salisbury, excessive snow cancelled the tournament. In 1949, the jump was rebuilt to prepare for the World Championship Tryouts in 1950. The "Tryouts" saw a field of several international skiers and was the first time that Art Sr. competed in Salisbury. Although I had been to Salisbury on several occasions as a youngster, it wasn't until 1959 when I began competing at Salisbury myself. The following years accounted for several junior tournaments as well as the Salisbury Invitational and Eastern Championships. In those days, skiers represented pretty much the same clubs as are represented today. The return trips to Salisbury over the years have led to many acquaintances and warm memories, and I trust that the future will hold the same.

Salisbury is unique in that the people show a sincere interest in the sport of ski jumping. I have seen this interest pass from one generation to the next as it was with my family. Volunteers are the backbone that make these competitions possible, and too often these people do not get the recognition that they deserve. The events that are put on would not be possible without these people. The future of ski jumping in Salisbury has great potential. Along with the continued interest and the proposed reconstruction of the jump, SWSA can be assured of good competitions to come. The fact that contributes to this is that the new jump falls into the category of an intermediate jumping hill, of which there are not enough. The transition from small hill jumping (less than K-50) to normal and large hill jumping (K-90, K-120) is critical. The proposed new jump offers just what is needed for ski jumping in the East.

I wish to thank ALL the people of Salisbury and the surrounding area that have made and continue to make these events possible. I know that for the forty times or more that I've been in the area, I've always been treated in a manner that makes me want to set aside "The Second Weekend in February", for the return trip to Salisbury.