Herman Smith-Johannsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herman Smith-Johannsen
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 15 June 1875 Horten, Norway
|
| Died | January 5, 1987 (aged 111 years, 204 days) near Tønsberg, Norway
|
| Resting place | Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, Canada |
| Education | Norwegian Military Academy, University of Berlin |
| Occupation | Skier |
| Known for | Introducing cross country skiing to Canada and North America Oldest living man for 22 days (14 December 1986 – 5 January 1987) |
Herman "Jackrabbit" Smith-Johannsen (born June 15, 1875 – died January 5, 1987) was an amazing Norwegian skier. He is famous for bringing cross-country skiing to Canada and North America. When he was young, he was known as one of the best all-around skiers in Norway. He lived a very long life, reaching 111 years old! For the last 22 days of his life, he was the oldest man in the world.
His Early Life and Family
Herman Johannsen was born in Horten, Norway, on June 15, 1875. He was the oldest of nine children. After studying in Berlin, Germany, he moved to the United States. Later, he settled in Piedmont, Quebec, Canada.
In 1907, he married Alice Robinson (1882–1963). They had three children: Alice (born 1911), Robert (born 1915), and Peggy (born 1918).
Around 1916, his family moved to Pelham, New York, which is just outside New York City. Herman managed a business that brought large machines from Norway to North America and Cuba. He traveled often between New York and Montreal. Around 1929, his family moved permanently to Canada.
Herman became ill during a trip to Norway to visit friends. Doctors would not let him fly home. He died from pneumonia on January 5, 1987, near Tønsberg, Norway. He was 111 years and 204 days old. He is buried next to his wife in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, Canada. His old papers and records are kept at the McGill University Archives in Montreal.
His Work and Career
In 1894, Herman Johannsen finished his studies at the Norwegian Military Academy. He became an officer in the Norwegian Army Reserve.
In 1899, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Berlin. Two years later, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There, he worked selling large machines. By 1907, he started his own business. He sold heavy equipment from New York City and later from Montreal.
A Skiing Legend
Herman Johannsen is famous for building many ski jumps. He also created many ski trails in Ontario, the Eastern Townships, the Laurentian Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains in New York. In 1972, he was given a special award called the Order of Canada. This award recognized him for helping skiing grow as a fun activity. He also encouraged many generations of skiers in Canada.
The Jackrabbit Ski Trail in the Adirondacks was named after him in 1986. Herman lived and vacationed in Lake Placid, New York between 1916 and 1928. During that time, he mapped out some of the first routes for this trail. He was also known for his amazing one-day trips up Mount Marcy. This is the highest mountain in New York State. He would start from Lake Placid, which was a round-trip of over 30 miles!
The Jackrabbit Program
Johannsen is also the namesake of Cross Country Canada's Jackrabbit program. This program helps introduce children aged 6–9 to cross-country skiing. They learn through local ski clubs. Some famous skiers who started in the Jackrabbit program include Olympic medalists Beckie Scott, Sara Renner, and Chandra Crawford. World Champions Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey also began their skiing journeys as "Jackrabbits."
In 1968, Herman Johannsen received an honorary doctorate from Sir George Williams University. This university later became Concordia University. In 1969, he was added to the National Ski Hall of Fame. He was even featured during the ABC Sports TV coverage of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. He was also an honorary member of a Norwegian skiing club called SK Ull.
