When Small Is Large—An Elegy

Ted Gilchrist’s passing at the age of 73 may not have caught the attention of many in the ski industry in this age of Intrawests, Vail Associates and American Skiing Companies. You see, for nearly 40 years, Ted was a tireless volunteer at a tiny little community ski area in Franklin, N.H.

The area’s somewhat cumbersome name is the Veteran’s Memorial Recreational Area. It was established as a tribute to the men and women who served their country during the second World War. Through the efforts of men with names like Ted, “Doc,” Sheldon, Bob, “Squeek,” Gene and Mickey—along with the support of their wives, families and many others—a forested slope in central New Hampshire has been gradually transformed into a living, working memorial.