during the 1910s, fjellseter close to the peak gråkallen had been one of the main recreational areas for trondheim. the necessary initiative was taken by robert millar, chief of marketing at nordenfjeldske dampskibsselskab. on 3 november, the first meeting was held, and millar was chosen to lead an investigation committee. the company a/s graakalbanen was founded on 6 september 1916, and nils christoffer bøckman was elected chairman.