WBWSC Legacy Project Timeline

1947 — Company Founded

Tom Weinhagen establishes the White Bear Water Ski Company on Bald Eagle Lake, Minnesota—becoming the first water ski manufacturer in the state. Inspired by a newsreel showcasing water skiing in the 1930s, Weinhagen began experimenting with the sport. Tom began building wooden water skis by hand in his basement, then garage, with the goal of making water skiing accessible and fun for everyone. His early designs helped bring the sport into backyards and onto local lakes, setting the tone for a family-first approach to recreation that resonated across Minnesota.

1950s–1960s — Growth & Innovation

WBWSC gains regional and national popularity, producing hundreds of thousands of wooden skis with memorable decals. The company’s products are featured in local ski shows and sold in catalogs nationwide, fueling the mid-century boom in recreational water sports.

“It was a part of our summers. If you skied on Bald Eagle or White Bear Lake, chances are you used one of their skis.” – From a Facebook community comment archived by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society.

1972 — Company Dissolves

After two owners and 25 years of innovation and craftsmanship, the White Bear Water Ski Company closes. Its legacy lives on through collectors, families, and water ski enthusiasts who cherish the gear and memories from its golden era.

2012 — Legacy Project Begins

The Weinhagen family begins gathering artifacts, stories, and community contributions to preserve the memory of the company. This marks the informal start of what would become the WBWSC Legacy Project.

“We realized there was so much more to tell—so many people had pieces of the story.” – Family recollection quoted in White Bear Lake Area Historical Society oral history notes.

2024 — Community Engagement Grows

With support from the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society and renewed local interest, the Legacy Project expands digitally and begins preparing a permanent online archive.

“This community has a rich history, and the ski company is one of its proudest chapters.” – White Bear History Facebook post, July 2024.

2025 — WBWSC Legacy Project Officially Launches

The project formalizes under the name 'WBWSC Legacy Project,' establishing a home for public contributions, historic exhibits, and educational content—all dedicated to preserving the history of Minnesota’s first water ski company.