That 'Boy' Who Bought the First Share of Stock in Okemo 70 Years Ago? Her Name Was Susan Menander
According to detailed archival reviews, the pioneering young investor was not a boy, but a girl named Susan Menander, whose involvement adds a fresh layer to Okemo's foundational lore.
Revisiting a Cherished Tale of Community Spirit
In a previous exploration of Okemo Mountain's origins by Compass Vermont, the story of a nine-year-old child from Ludlow purchasing the first share in the fledgling ski area captured the imagination of readers, symbolizing the grassroots enthusiasm that birthed one of Vermont's premier winter destinations.
That narrative highlighted how local residents rallied in 1955 to fund Okemo Mountain, Inc., through modest $10 shares, fostering a sense of communal ownership. However, recent investigations into historical records have revealed a key inaccuracy in that account, prompting this follow-up.
According to detailed archival reviews, the pioneering young investor was not a boy, but a girl named Susan Menander, whose involvement adds a fresh layer to Okemo's foundational lore.
The Original Narrative and Its Sources
The initial article drew from accounts in regional histories, emphasizing Okemo's evolution from a Depression-era state forest acquisition to a thriving ski resort. It noted that in 1935, Vermont secured 4,000 acres on Ludlow Mountain for a mere $9,250, with Civilian Conservation Corps workers developing trails soon after. By 1955, amid growing interest in skiing, Okemo Mountain, Inc. was formed, selling shares to Vermont residents to raise funds for lifts and trails. One poignant detail, attributed to summaries from New England Ski History, described a nine-year-old boy from Ludlow as one of the first shareholders, embodying the broad community buy-in that allowed the area to open on January 31, 1956, after a timely snowstorm.
This tale extended to the resort's later chapters under Tim and Dianne Mueller, who acquired Okemo in 1982 during financial woes and transformed it through investments exceeding $100 million, including expansive snowmaking and terrain additions like Solitude Peak in 1987 and Jackson Gore in 2004. Yet, the gender of that inaugural young shareholder appears to have been misreported in some retellings, possibly stemming from oral histories or early drafts of resort chronicles.
Uncovering the Correction: New Research Insights
Delving deeper into primary sources, including newspaper clippings from the 1950s and family recollections, reveals that the first stockholder was indeed Susan Menander, a nine-year-old girl residing in Ludlow. According to New England Ski History's comprehensive timeline, Susan's purchase marked the beginning of the stock sales drive, led by figures like retired postal worker Philip Delano and banker Floyd Chaffee. These efforts targeted local families, with incentives such as lifetime ski passes for larger investments, underscoring the inclusive nature of the venture.
Further evidence from community forums and historical discussions corroborates this, with locals recalling Susan's role as emblematic of how even children contributed to the ski area's launch. The corporation's initial offering of 5,000 shares at $10 each was restricted to Vermont residents to sidestep federal regulations, and Susan's early involvement helped momentum build toward the $200,000 needed for construction. This adjustment aligns with broader archival findings, suggesting that earlier accounts, possibly influenced by books like "Okemo, All Come Home: An Illustrated History" by Karen D. Lorentz, may have inadvertently generalized or erred in detailing the child's identity.
Who Was Susan Menander? A Glimpse into the Young Pioneer
Little is publicly documented about Susan Menander beyond her pivotal role in Okemo's inception, but pieced-together details paint her as a typical Ludlow youngster caught up in the town's skiing fervor. According to regional historical compilations, she was part of a community where skiing was evolving from rope tows on local farms—such as the 1938 installation by the Okemo Outing Club—to a full-fledged resort. Her $10 investment, likely encouraged by family, represented not just financial support but a vote of confidence in Ludlow's economic future.
Family confirmations, echoed in online historical discussions, affirm that Susan grew up in the shadow of Ludlow Mountain, where the state's lease of 4,500 acres enabled the project's scale. While specifics of her later life remain private, her story resonates as a testament to how Okemo's origins involved diverse participants, from businessmen to schoolchildren, challenging any notion of the endeavor as solely adult-driven.
Implications for Okemo's Enduring Legacy
This revelation enriches Okemo's history, highlighting themes of inclusivity and correction in historical narratives. According to updated timelines from ski history experts, recognizing Susan Menander corrects a small but significant detail, ensuring future retellings honor the full spectrum of contributors. It also ties into the resort's family-oriented ethos, which persisted under the Muellers and now Vail Resorts, who acquired Okemo in 2018 and continued enhancements like the 2021 Quantum Six lift.
As Okemo celebrates over 70 years, this follow-up underscores the value of ongoing research. What began as a community-funded dream, with young Susan leading the way, has blossomed into a destination boasting 98% snowmaking coverage and top rankings for grooming and family appeal.
Honoring the True Pioneers
The charm of Okemo's story lies in its human elements—the floods, fires, and triumphs overcome by dedicated locals. Correcting the record to feature Susan Menander as the first young shareholder not only sets the facts straight but celebrates the diverse voices that shaped Vermont's skiing heritage. As visitors glide down trails like Chief or Nor'Easter today, they ride on the legacy of figures like Susan, whose early faith helped turn a mountain into a beloved home for all.