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The Bulletin -- May 6, 2009 (#989) Program: Phil Brown, Editor of "Bob Marshall in the Adirondacks"
Who is Bob Marshall? Phil Brown’s slideshow showcased Bob Marshall, the first 46er—the first man to climb all the Adirondack Peaks above 4,000ft. Marshall spent most of his career with the U.S. Forest Service, quite high up in the bureaucracy where he lobbied successfully for the preservation of land. He was the founder of the Wilderness Society which is also dedicated to preservation. Marshall died quite young and in his honor, the government created the “Bob Marshal Wilderness” in Montana. Growing Up: Marshall was born in New York City in 1901, the son of a prominent lawyer and conservationist in his own right. Marshall was one of four children. At the turn of the century, the Marshalls and a few other families purchased land on Saranac Lake, which they used as summer camps. Marshall spent every summer of his childhood at this camp. He began walking the dirt roads with his brother, George, and kept track of his hikes. Climbing the High Peaks: The Marshall brothers were not known for road walking; they were known for mountain climbing, which they began in 1918 with Whiteface Mountain . They continued climbing the High Peaks where most of the mountains had no trails. They took many photos (which are kept in the Saranac Library), and are among the earliest color photos of the Adirondacks. The Marshall family did not own a car, and getting to the trail heads was half the adventure. It often included rowing across Saranac Lake, taking the train to Lake Placid and walking nine miles from there. 46ers... or 47ers? When they started climbing the High Peaks, the Marshall brothers thought there were only 42 peaks. They realized they missed some and went back for the remaining peaks. After completing the 46 peaks, they climbed Mt. MacNaughton. This is important because it was later learned that this peak is in fact over 4,000 ft. To this day most 46ers don’t feel complete until they have climbed this last and final ADK Peak. The Adirondack Book Club published a book written by Marshall about the High Peaks, and became the Club’s first guide book.
An Adirondack Tradition. After his untimely death in 1936 of a heart attack, Marshall’s inheritance was passed to the Wilderness Society. The tradition of climbing the 46 peaks remains strong. Since the Marshalls began the 46ers Club, over 6,000 people have followed in their footsteps. This Week:
New Member: Sybil Kiroy was born near Watertown and lived in Alaska for three years (she encourages everyone to visit). She graduated from Jefferson Community College in Business Administration and currently lives in Plattsburgh. Sybil has been in the banking industry for 11 years and is currently branch manager at Community Bank. She loves her job and the people she works with. Sybil is continuing her education at SUNY Plattsburgh in business management and enjoys her new home. Sybil has an 11-year-old son who plays baseball with a team sponsored by the City Police. Her daughter ,Caitlyn, is 8 and loves to sing, dress up, and play soccer. Sybil participates in the Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life and spends time fishing, traveling, watching sports and spending time with family and friends. Food Shelf: Elle Berger announced totals for March and April. For both months, the club donated about $200. Special checks totaled $195 in March and $135 in April. The total for both months is $817 ($573 Food Shelf; $244 Salvation Army). Visiting Rotarians: Joan Brown, Sunrise Club Guests: Joshua Kretser (Ita Bullard). 50/50: The pot is worth $500. Marty Mannix drew the Queen of Diamonds.
Upcoming Programs/Duties: go to Membership Duty List
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