User:L d allan/Tony Wise

According to the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner, here are facts about Mr. Wise:


 * He was a visionary and tireless promoter of northern Wisconsin.


 * Upon returning from World War II, Wise started Telemark ski resort in 1947 and operated the Cable, WI area lodge through 1984.


 * In 1973, Wise founded the American Birkebeiner] [[cross-country ski race from Hayward to Cable, WI.


 * Wise founded the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, WI.


 * Wise founded Historyland and the local lumberjack shows in Hayward WI.


 * In 1957, Wise formed the Sawyer County Historical Society located in Hayward, WI.


 * Wise was an avid environmentalist and instrumental in the protection of the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers and their respective designations as Wild and Scenic National Riverways in northern Wisconsin


 * Wise served in the Army National Guard as Company Commander and Lieutenant Colonel in Hayward, WI.


 * In 1963, Wise received the Eisenhower Trophy Service Ribbon for the most outstanding Army National Guard Unit in Wisconsin, the Red Arrow Division., not to be confused with the golf related Eisenhower Trophy.


 * Wise formed the Worldloppet, an international sports federation of cross-country skiing marathons. The federation was founded in 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden with a goal of promoting the sport of cross-country skiing through various ski races around the world. Only one and the best race from a country can be a member of Worldloppet. Today, the Worldloppet unites 20 races from Europe, America, Asia and Oceania.


 * Wise lost Telemark Ski Resort through bankruptcy in 1984. When Wise tried to retain his rights to the American Birkebeiner ski race, the court ruled against him. In 1984, members of the Cable and Hayward communities stepped forward to form the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) to continue the popular ski race. The ABSF continues its strong governance of the race today.


 * Wise was instrumental in establishing the legendary Birkebeiner Trail system. Today, the Birkie Trail recreational system spans over 100 kilometers from Bayfield to Sawyer county in northern Wisconsin.


 * In 1975, in recognition of founding the American Birkebeiner; spreading Norwegian culture and traditions; and strengthening ties between Norway and the United States; Wise was awarded the St. Olav Medal by King Olav V of Norway. He was honored with an audience with King Olav at the Royal Palace in Oslo in 1977.


 * In 1988, Wise was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame.


 * Tony Wise passed away on April 6, 1995 in Hayward, Wisconsin