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Echoes from the Chair |
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By Dan Richter 12/21/94 |
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During the spring of 1955 a group of climbers led by Frank Sanborn were forming a new section. Since the end of World War II modern cars and roads were making east side access for weekend trips to the Sierra much easier. The DPS, High Trippers, and Base Campers were leading trips to the Sierra but Los Angeles based climbers not finding enough scheduled trips were going in on their own "outlaw" climbs. By 1955 non-scheduled trips outnumbered the scheduled ones by 6 to 1. This new section that would be ratified that October would become the premier climbing section of the Sierra Club carrying the spirit and very soul of the club that was forged by John Muir seventy-five years before as he scrambled alone to the tops of our beloved peaks. |
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In the forty years that have passed, the SPS has led thousands of trips to the Sierra. Our members have climbed from the Sierra to the Himalayas accomplishing memorable feats from forging first ascents to climbing the seven summits. |
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We are now in a time of change. A time to look back with a respect for our past and hopefully with vision to our future. With the return of climbing insurance we have gone through a lot of change in the last year. This change has spawned talk about what the function of the SPS is and what our future may be. As I was descending a wash out in the desert last week I was surprised when a respected older leader said that the SPS was finished and would not continue. The next day at a dinner in L. A. some younger climbers were talking about combining the SPS and the DPS. I certainly don’t know what the future will bring, but I do know all this discussion is good and I believe in the future of the SPS. |
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In this wonderful fortieth anniversary year we have the opportunity to honor and celebrate our past. With this in mind we are planning special issues of the Echo, anniversary climbs, a special banquet, and exhibitions. I hope all of you will have a chance to share in this celebration. |
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I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new management committee. Elected positions are: Wayne Norman, Vice Chair/Echo; Mirna Roach, Secretary; Barbee Tidball, Banquet/Programs/Mailer; and Patty Kline, Treasurer/Sales. Appointments are: Greg Roach, Outings; Safety Co-Chairs, Doug Mantle and Duane McRuer; Tina Stough, Mountain Records; Harry Freimanis, Outreach Coordinator; Dave Underwood, Conservation; Julie Rush, Council Representative; Historian, Bill Oliver; and Ann Kramer, Special Projects. |
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© Copyright 1994-2001 Dan Richter |
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