In 1854, a Norwegian named John made a bargain to continue postal service through the winter for $200 per month.

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In 1854, a Norwegian named John made a bargain with Matteson of Murphy's Camp in Calaveras County in California to continue postal service through the winter for $ per month, even if snow was 20 feet deep. Thompson made a successful enterprise, He carried a pole in his hand, which served as a brake on down grades, and a propeller up hill. He wore what were called snow skates - skis today. He had learned the skill in his native country, Norway.

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Keywords: .., calaveras, california, camp, county, delivery, express, john, mailman, man, matteson, murphy, norwegian, postal, postman, service, skates, skier, skiing, skis, snow, thompson, winter