Harold Petersen was, by profession, a civil engineer, first with the City of St. Paul, and later with the State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources. As such, he became involved with the planning and construction of the ski jumping facility located in Battle Creek Park.

Through his professional work on the Battle Creek Park ski slide, Petersen’s interest in the sport of ski jumping grew. He joined the St. Paul Ski Club on December 22, 1938.

During the staging of the National Ski Jumping Championships in 1939, Petersen volunteered his talents to compute results in the judges stand. He continued to work at that job for the next 32 years.

In 1943, Harold Petersen assumed the duties of Treasurer of the St. Paul Ski Club. He continued n that position for 28 years, until his death in 1971.

By virtue of his annual presence at the registration desk, Petersen became a well known figure to skiers throughout the Central Division.

The St. Paul Junior Ski Club was one of his major interests. For many years Petersen exuded great pride when he was called on to present the awards to the participants and winners of a tournament named in his honor.

The Harold Petersen Memorial Tournament continued to be an annual highlight of the St. Paul Junior Ski Club schedule for many years.

Petersen was a person who exemplified the highest qualities of the ski jumping sport and its personalities.

It is fitting that the many positive and lasting influences cast by the gentle natured Harold Petersen, be commemorated by the St. Paul Ski Club.