LaVern Trepp home movies collection

LaVern Trepp home movies collection, 1941-1974

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Trepp, LaVern O., 1917-2005
Title: LaVern Trepp home movies collection
Dates: 1941-1974 (inclusive)
19411974
Quantity: 33 8mm film
11 super 8mm film
2 16mm film
Collection Number: A1160
Summary: Lavern O. Trepp (1917-2005) was an American skier and United States Army veteran who served in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. After his military service, Trepp acquired the Pine Mountain Alpine Ski area in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This collection contains home movies of Trepp's military service and training and his family.
Repository: University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860

Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu
Access Restrictions: Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

LaVern O. Trepp was born on December 8, 1917, in Kief, North Dakota, to Freada Huber and Clarence Martin Oliver Trepp. Trepp studied chemistry at Augustana College in Illinois. From a young age, Trepp was active in ski jumping and was a charter member of the Kiwanis Ski Club. At age 22, while attempting the first descent at the new-constructed Pine Mountain ski jump in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Trepp had an accident. While the resultant broken hip ended his jumping career, Trepp shifted to alpine skiing, competing for the Midwest Central Division in regional and national competitions.

On February 3, 1942, Trepp enlisted in the United States Army. Trepp was a member of Company A, F, K, L of the 87th Infantry Regiment, the ski troops that joined with the 85th and 86th infantry to form the 10th Mountain Division. The 10th Mountain Division was designated for mountain warfare and was the only division of its size to receive specialized training for mountain combat. With the division, Trepp trained in Colorado, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada. In the 10th Mountain Division, Trepp served in Company B and Company D as a medic. Trepp served in World War II in Italy, where he was awarded the Combat Medic Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for his actions at Castel D'Aiano on April 15, 1945. He obtained the rank of Sergeant.

After his discharge from the Army, Trepp returned to Iron Mountain, Michigan, and acquired the Pine Mountain Alpine Ski Facility, which had undergone a period of closure during the war. Trepp rebuilt and expanded the facility. Several years afterwards, Trepp married Gloria Fern Johnson, an skier who had frequently visited Iron Mountain. The two married and together had five children. Trepp had a long career in the ski industry, serving on the Michigan Ski Area Safety Board under four Michigan governors. He also held positions in the United States Ski Association Central Division, the Central Ski Areas Association, the National Ski Area Association, and the American National Standards Institute for aerial tramways. He also served as a board member for the National Ski Hall of Fame.

LaVern Trepp died on April 24, 2005.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The LaVern Trepp home movies collection consists of 33 8mm films, 11 Super 8 films, and 2 16mm films with footage of Trepp's service in the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division during World War II, and his family travels, get togethers, and ski trips, including Michigan, Spain, and Canada. The collection consists of films from 1941 to 1974.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Preferred Citation

Collection Name, Collection Number, Item Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Items 1-37 are part of the main collection, and items 38-45 are part of the 2017 addendum.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Andrea White in 2014 and 2017.

Processing Note

Processed by Danielle Rausch in 2023.

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Separated Materials

See also the LaVern Trepp slide collection (P2021) in the Multimedia Division of Special Collections.

Related Materials

Forms part of the Ski and Snow Sports Archives (S.J. Quinney Outdoor Recreation Archives).

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Reel
1	Skiing 8mm (photographic film size) 00:18:08, color, no sound The Trepp family travels to Iron Mountain, Michigan to ski at the Pine Mountain Ski Resort. The family later attends church for Easter Sunday. Some of the Trepp children waterski across an unknown lake. Afterwards, two of the Trepp children ride a tandem bike around their suburban neighborhood. The family then takes a second trip to Iron Mountain, Michigan, where they film their stay at the Keel Ridge Motel. During the winter months, some of the Trepp family's relatives visit to meet the Trepp family's newborn. Finally, the Trepp family celebrates Christmases 1960 and 1963.	1960-1964
2	Kite flying, water skiing J.C. Natl's Super 8 00:10:49, color, no sound The Trepp family travels to a lake at an unspecified location, where they take turns flying kites, jet skiing, and paragliding across the lake. Then, LaVern Trepp goes skiing and swims at the Pine Mountain Ski Resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan.	undated
3	Parents' vacation in islands and Spain Super 8 00:14:58, color, no sound The Trepp parents travel to Spain and several islands across Eurasia. During their vacation, they relax at a beach, travel across the ocean, watch a bullfight, and wander around a park located at one of the islands.	undated
4	Spain Super 8 00:20:03, color, no sound The Trepp family canoes along an unknown river in Michigan, setting up camp in the middle of the woods part way through their journey. Then, they traverse a large body of water near Spain with a sailboat.	1947
5	Boyne '68; Pine Mountain scenes '60; Ski bikes; Pine Mountain rope tow; Spring slope party Super 8 00:22:00, color, no sound A group associated with LaVern Trepp and his family take turns skiing and swimming at the Pine Mountain Ski in Iron Mountain, Michigan from 1960 to 1968.	1960-1968
6	Skiing Camp Hale 8mm (photographic film size) 00:15:21, color, no sound Footage from Camp Hale, a military camp located in Leadville, Colorado, where World War II soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division would train for warfare during the winter months.	1944
7	Europe 8mm (photographic film size) 00:14:22, color, no sound The Trepp family visits several ski resorts and vacations in Germany, St. Anton, Austria, and Venice, Italy.	1966
8	Europe Ski Trip 8mm (photographic film size) 00:13:18, color, no sound LaVern Trepp travels to a ski resort in Switzerland.	undated
9	Horses; Pine Mountain Ski Jumping; Spread Eagle Garden; LaVern in uniform; Family picnic at Fortune Lake; Bible camp; Green and White Pontiac 8mm (photographic film size) 00:15:41, color, no sound The Trepp family goes horseback riding at a ranch, likely located in either Wisconsin or Utah. Then, LaVern Trepp films a ski jumping competition held at the Pine Mountain Ski Resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Afterwards, the Trepp family visits Spread Eagle Garden in Florence County, Wisconsin. LaVern Trepp then plays baseball with a kid. The Trepp family then prepares for and attends a family picnic at Fortune Lake in Crystal Falls, Michigan. Finally, the Trepp family takes their green and white Pontiac up a mountain near Fort Wilkins, Michigan.	undated
10	Jim Merle and LaVern skiing at Iron Mountain 8mm (photographic film size) 00:07:55, color, no sound Jim Merle, LaVern Trepp, and the rest of the Trepp family go skiing and sledding throughout the neighborhoods and in the mountains of Iron Mountain, Michigan. Warning: Footage contains a heavy number of white flashes.	undated
11	The News Parade of the Year 1943, Castle Films 8mm (photographic film size) 00:09:47, black and white, no sound A digitization of Castle Film's The News Parade of the Year 1943, which contains footage from battles across Europe during World War II. Includes documentation of allied powers battling U-boats, a warship tragedy in Toulon, France, General MacArthur commanding an attack against Japan, Argentina revolting against their pro-Nazi government, a march from the Allied powers, a bombing against Germany, Russian soldiers battling in a Nazi-occupied Ukraine, and a tri-nation conference in Moscow.	1943
12	Fargo flood, North Dakota; Millie and Merle Campbell, South Lake 8mm (photographic film size) 00:09:41, color/monochromatic, no sound First, there is a recording of the damage done by the Fargo Flood in North Dakota. This section of the video is in color, and is likely filmed at a later date. Then, likely at an earlier point in time, a family prepares for a road trip, a group of farmers till the land, a large group has dinner, the Trepp family explore a lake, LaVern Trepp films various houses, most likely located near his neighborhood, and a group of 4 individuals carry ducks from a lake to their car.	August 1942
13	LaVern's Colorado trip 8mm (photographic film size) 00:08:34, color, no sound LaVern Trepp and a group of skiers document their trip to Arapahoe Basin, a ski resort in Summit County, Colorado.	undated
15	Church, Merle and LaVern 8mm (photographic film size) 00:06:45, color, black and white, no sound LaVern and Merle Trepp document several trips to their local church throughout 1943, spanning from the autumn to winter months of Iron Mountain, Michigan. Footage is filmed in black and white after 5:35. Some discoloration is present throughout the film.	1943
16	The World Parade, Castle Films. Washington, D.C. 8mm (photographic film size) 00:09:48, black and white, no sound A clip from The World Parade, an educational program from Castle Films. This clip features information about several government buildings in Washington D.C., including but not limited to the White House, the Supreme Court building, the Department of Commerce, Embassy Row, the Lincoln Memorial, and other federal government department buildings and tourist attractions. Film edited by Eugene W. Castle.	1946
17	Grandmother's funeral, Huber 8mm (photographic film size) 00:06:01, color, no sound A taping of the Trepp family's grandmother's funeral ceremony and committal service, with heavy focus on the grandmother's casket. The departed lays face up in the casket as the Trepp family says their final goodbyes. There are a large number of flowers places on top of and surrounding the casket. Then, the funeral procession travels to the departed's final resting place, where the departed is buried in the middle of a field.	undated
18	10th Mountain Division; Colorado Army; Waters meet LaVern 8mm (photographic film size) 00:11:40, black and white, no sound A group of soldiers, most likely from the 10th Mountain Division, practice jumping, alpine skiing, and ski mountaineering across a vast, empty mountain range. Then, a larger group of soldiers practice skiing and navigating through a snowy patch of woods somewhere in Michigan. Film had slight discoloration.	1941-1942
19	Cottage scene; Jim Merle and LaVern 8mm (photographic film size) 00:11:09, color, black and white, no sound The Trepp family travels to a cottage in the woods in the middle of autumn. While there, they play by the lake, gather wood, chop down a tree, and gather leaves near their cottage. The family then travels back to the cottage in the middle of winter, where the ice skates around a frozen lake. A group of kids then travels to the cottage, where they skip rocks and eat apples by the lake. The film periodically switches between black/white and color footage.	undated
20	Boys 8mm (photographic film size) 00:17:24, color, no sound The Trepp family's children throughout their early childhood. The children are shown celebrating their first birthdays with smash cakes and going on vacation with their family. One child is filmed sleeping in a glass box after birth, leaving the hospital with their parents, and meeting their siblings for the first time. And then, the five Trepp children play inside the Pine Mountain Ski Resort, inside the family's backyard, and at their cottage near the lake. Finally, the children also celebrate Christmas multiple times, by hanging stockings and opening Christmas gifts with their family. This film likely takes place over multiple years; the film is also blank from 15:10 to 15:30.	undated
21	Bloom party; Fall scenery; Merle and Ralph 8mm (photographic film size) 00:11:44, color, no sound The Trepp family attends a "bloom party" where they bond over the large variety of flowers, while one of the Trepp sons goes rowing across a lake. Then, the Trepp family films the autumn scenery at their house, their family cottage, and near the Michigan state border. Then, a group of soldiers visit the Trepp family cottage. Finally, the Trepp family attends a picnic near a large lake, likely during the spring or summer months.	1943
22-A	Columbia ice fields expeditions part 1 8mm (photographic film size) 00:16:08, color, no sound LaVern Trepp travels with a group of men to British Columbia to explore the province's ice fields. While there, they build a camp, chop wood, and observe some animals both on the mountain and rummaging through their trash at their camp. Then, they repeatedly climb up and ski down a mountain; they also rock climb up a separate mountain. Finally, LaVern Trepp films the surrounding scenery and the group deconstructs their camp.	August 1942
22-B	Columbia ice fields expedition part 2 8mm (photographic film size) 00:15:54, color, no sound LaVern Trepp and a large group of men, most likely soldiers, continue their expedition through British Columbia's ice fields. The team builds a temporary ski camp out of flexible metal and a snow plow. Then the group, all wearing the same green-gray outfit, repeatedly ski down a mountain. Afterwards, LaVern Trepp visits Lake Louise, a hamlet in Alberta, Canada that also hosts a ski resort. Later on, LaVern Trepp helps build a wooden structure in the snowy mountains. Finally, a group of soldiers traverse through the snowy mountains, grab supplies from a train, and wander around the town of Banff, Alberta, Canada.	August 1942
23	Boys, part 2 8mm (photographic film size) 00:17:04, color, no sound LaVern Trepp films his children celebrating their birthdays and Christmas with cake and new toys. The family also goes skiing, likely at the Pine Mountain Ski Resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Finally, the Trepp family travel into the countryside, where they observe the riverside and play with a large rock in the lake.	undated
24	Millie's; house indoors 8mm (photographic film size) 00:01:55, color, black and white, no sound The Trepp family has a meal at a restaurant called Millie's. Then, they conversate in front of the Trepp family's house. When they leave the restaurant at 0:47, the footage switches to black and white.	1944
25	Old ski film, Pine Mountain 8mm (photographic film size) 00:03:59, color, no sound LaVern Trepp takes multiple trips to the Pine Mountain Ski Resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan. The camera quality changes noticeably at 2:34.	undated
26	10th Mountain Division soldiers at Sun Mountain 8mm (photographic film size) 00:02:59, color, no sound A group of soldiers, possibly associated with the 10th Mountain Division, spend a day relaxing at Sun Mountain. Then in the evening, the soldiers train for battle.	1944
27	Kirtland Field, AFB, New Mexico 8mm (photographic film size) 00:03:34, color, no sound LaVern Trepp films several military drills held at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.	1944
28	Soldiers 8mm (photographic film size) 00:02:47, color, black and white, no sound A group of soldiers and military captains visit the Trepp residence. The soldiers are mostly shown conversating outside, exiting the house and waiting for a nearby train. The footage becomes black and white at 2:23.	1944
29	Sun Valley 8mm (photographic film size) 00:03:04, color, no sound LaVern Trepp leaves his home in Iron Mountain, Michigan and visits Sun Valley, a resort town in Idaho with a group of friends. While there, they explore the town's streets and surrounding woods.	undated
30	Michigan - Ohio State game 8mm (photographic film size) 00:02:47, color, no sound An unknown cameraman films a football game, likely taking place at a stadium in Michigan. They film the outside of the stadium before the game, parts of the game itself, and the marching band during halftime. The film is shot at night, and many of the shots are too dark to decipher.	undated
31	Flowers; Lynn and Albert flying at the airport 8mm (photographic film size) 00:02:48, color, no sound LaVern Trepp films some flowers, likely near his home or cottage. Then, his family has a large, riverside picnic near the Trepp family cottage. Finally, two adults and a child fly in a NC20988 aircraft.	undated
32	Kite flying 16mm (photographic film size) 00:03:15, color, no sound LaVern Trepp films a group of skiers skiing down a large, man-made ski slope. They then repeatedly ski down the slope with a large kite, causing them to fly over a parking lot and tripping over cars.	undated
33	Brotherhood and the church 8mm (photographic film size) 00:03:03, color, no sound LaVern Trepp and his family attend a church in Michigan, conversing with the fellow church members outside the building. Then, the Trepp family attends a riverside picnic near their cottage, where they shoot guns and eat homemade food.	1945
34	Spain vacation; skiing in Michigan; parade Super 8 00:10:06, color, no sound The Trepp family films their vacation in Spain, where the visit several famous landmarks; including the El Valle de los Caidos and the Castillo de San Servando. Afterwards, the Trepp family returns to Michigan and goes skiing with a large group of skiers. Finally, the family takes part in a parade with several organizations, including the boy scouts, a marching band, and Kiwanis International, a volunteer organization focusing on childhood and family development.	undated
35	Ski racing; Adolf Cup Winter Park; Pine Mountain champs; Pine Mountain H.S. invitationals Super 8 00:22:25, color, no sound First, LaVern Trepp films a few sessions of competitive slalom skiing at a ski resort in Michigan; most likely related to Mt. Riply, Adolf Cup Winter Park, the Pine Mtn Championships, and the Pine Mtn. IMHS Invitational, all of which take place between 1971 and 1972. Trepp then repeatedly paraglides down a snowy hill in Michigan. Afterwards, the Trepp family celebrates Christmas and goes skiing, most likely at Trepp's ski resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Finally, the family goes jet skiing using a variety of normal and abnormal materials for skis in Dickenson County, Virginia.	1970-1972
36	California Super 8 00:16:13, color, no sound LaVern Trepp goes on vacation with his family. First, before they travel to California, they paraglide across a large lake, before going skiing at an unknown ski resort. Then, they board a plane and soar above some snowy mountains and land in San Francisco, where they explore the city, its outskirts, and the surrounding beaches. Afterwards, they fly back to Michigan and leave an unknown airport.	undated
37	Ski resort Super 8 00:23:00, color, no sound The Trepp family goes skiing at an unspecified ski resort; possibly located near Aspen, Colorado. They recreationally alpine ski and film themselves riding the ski lift. When the Trepp family isn't skiing, they're playing at the resort's pool and conversating with the resort's employees. Towards the end of the footage, one of the Trepp children fumbles a ski jump and is treated by the resort's first aid staff.	undated
38	Army 8mm (photographic film size) 00:12:02, color, black and white, no sound A group of soldiers from the army go alpine skiing at an unspecified resort. Then, LaVern Trepp goes sailing across a lake with two other men. Afterwards, Trepp takes the train to the mountains and goes skiing with another group of soldiers. Finally, a group of soldiers goes rock climbing and traverses across a winterly lake with a horse. The footage switches to black and white at 9:38.	undated
39	Sun Valley trip, LaVern and Gloria 8mm (photographic film size) 00:20:13. color, no sound LaVern Trepp travels with Gloria to Sun Valley, a resort city in Idaho. While there, the ski recreationally, before a man, likely LaVern Trepp himself, skis competitively with a large group of men.	1952
40	Ski resorts, California and Nevada Super 8 00:18:54, color, no sound LaVern Trepp goes skiing at two different ski resorts during the spring: one in California and one in Nevada. Trepp primarily goes slalom skiing, but he also briefly alpine skis at the first resort.	undated
41	Family in Canada Super 8 00:21:46, color, no sound LaVern Trepp travels with his family to Alberta, Canada, where they explore, camp at, and hike through Fairmont Banff Springs, Lake Louise, Kaufmann Peaks, and Bridal Veil Falls. Then, they travel to British Columbia, where they stay at the Redstreak Campground, go swimming, and hike up Split Peak. Finally, the Trepp family takes a train back to the United States and go jet skiing in Dickenson County, Virginia.	undated
42	California; Nevada; Spring series Super 8 00:12:35, color, no sound LaVern Trepp goes skiing at two different ski resorts during the spring: one in California and one in Nevada. Trepp primarily goes slalom skiing, but he also briefly alpine skis at the first resort.	1973
43	Family trip and Christmas, Michigan 8mm (photographic film size) 00:18:31, color, no sound LaVern Trepp and his wife Gloria spend time with their children. First, the family travel throughout their town in Michigan either during the autumn or spring months. Then, the family celebrates Christmas, and one of the Trepp children repeatedly plays on a rocking horse. Finally, the family skis outside their home.	undated
44	Skiing with dog; Christmas 8mm (photographic film size) 00:16:33, color, no sound LaVern Trepp and his wife, Gloria, go skiing with their dog. Then, the two of them prepare for and welcome a new baby to their home. Afterwards, the family celebrate Christmas and the baby's first birthday.	undated
45	Short ski method 16mm (photographic film size) 00:02:23, color, sound A woman advocates for the short ski method. She demonstrates how to put on the skis and uses them to ski, turn, and climb up a mountain.	undated

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