The Secrets of Monty Wolf

A free lecture on De Young’s astounding discoveries aboutthe legendary Mountain Man July 26, 2:00 p.m. at the Music Festival Tent in Bear Valley

Hosted by the Ebbetts Pass Historical Association

We currently have two programs a year:

Our summer program, held in July or August, on the first Sunday of the music series, utilizes the tent during the Bear Valley Music Festival. It consists of local historical features by: speakers, picture displays, and/or PowerPoint presentations. This program is well attended by members, as well as folks ‘up’ for the music festival.

We host an annual Wintersports History Night the second Saturday of December. This program chronicles the history of snow sports and people involved from as early as Snowshoe Thompson, the 1930’s, and up to present day. We honor and pay tribute to folks who had much to do with promoting snow sports, snow business, historical timelines, and worked in the industry. This concentrates on the snow sport history of Highway 4 east. A recipient is chosen to be honored with the “Peter Brinkman” Award each year at this program.

The July 2008 Summer Program featured Art Schimke who gave a talk on legendary mountain man, Monte Wolf, whom he knew personally. Eric Jung spoke about Jedediah Smith, another legendary mountain man.

Monte Wolf roamed the high country of Tuolumne, Alpine, and Calaveras counties in the early 20th century. He was a renowned trapper and guide, known for his superhuman strength as well as liberal attitudes toward property. He disappeared mysteriously 1940.

Jedediah Smith was also a trapper, and prodigious pathfinder. He was the first white man to cross the Sierra, passing through Bear Valley in 1827. He too disappeared mysteriously.