Five years ago, while volunteering at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum, I discovered a box full of memorabilia, donated by Erline Christopherson. In July 1962, this then 16-year-old from Lodi, CA, became the first female (and only second person) to swim the length of the Lake. After failing on two previous attempts, the undaunted teenager completed a seventeen-mile swim from Baldwin Beach to Dollar Point, covering the distance in 13 hours and 17 minutes- a major accomplishment for a woman at the time. As a matter of fact, it was a record she held, unbroken, for 42 years.

In 2014, this living legend came to our South Lake Tahoe Library to tell her amazing story. She shared her feat via historic videos, photos and wonderful humor.
Since that first presentation was so well attended we thought we'd invite Erline back for an encore. She said yes and tonight was the magical repeat performance.
Prior to heading to the library, we hosted Erline's family and friends for some backyard fun.

Swimmers of all ages were there to hear the history. Everyone was enthralled and delighted by Erline.
Erline stated, "I've wanted to swim Lake Tahoe ever since I first saw it, -when I was eight or nine years old." She attained her dream. Our community is so fortunate to have had this opportunity to hear her unforgettable memories making Lake Tahoe history. So very, very cool.