One hundred years ago this summer, Ralph Samualson invented water skiing. Back then he was the only one doing it. So the town built a little band stand near the water. Folks would come from all over to watch this man water ski and listen to some music. People living in Samualson's home town want to make sure no one forgets his contribution to warm-weather-fun.  Lake City leaders unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Samualson, and is located at Ohuta Park and Beach on the shores of Lake Pepin.      Someday, city leaders hope to create a water skiing hall of fame.  Local filmmaker Ben Threinen just released a new 33-minute documentary about Samualson's invention.        Ralph went to the Lumberyard when he was about 18 and found two eight-foot-long, nine inch wide pine boards. Using his mother's wash boiler, he softened one end of each board, then clamped the tips with vices so they would curve upwards. He affixed leather straps to hold his feet in place and aquired 100 feet of window sash cord to use as a tow rope. Finally, he hired a blacksmith to make a small iron ring to serve as the rope handle.  He began learning tricks on his skis, which grew crowds of onlookers to the shoreline.    Sadly his career as a water skier was short lived. When he hurt his back in a construction accident in 1927, he was forced to hang up his skis for good. Fred Waller patented the first water skis in 1925.  In 1972, water skiing was included in the Olympics as an exhibition sport. There's a historical marker at Lake Pepin, Minnesota-proudly identifying it as the "Birthplace of Water skiing."  Ralph's daughter, Deb Henningsen said "He never had an unkind word for anyone and he cooked the best roast beef diners on Sunday nights-and I mean the best."                             -by SARA KUTA  - Smithsonian Magazine