Senate Resolution No. 1221
BY: Senator STEC
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Adirondack Forty-Sixers
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend organizations and individuals who have significantly contributed
to the preservation and appreciation of New York State's natural
heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers and to
recognize the extraordinary contributions of George and Robert "Bob"
Marshall and Herbert "Herb" Clark to environmental conservation and the
legacy of Adirondack High Peaks hiking
WHEREAS, George and Bob Marshall, who grew up in New York City, were
the sons of Louis Marshall, a renowned constitutional lawyer whose
tireless efforts were instrumental in the inclusion of the "Forever
Wild" clause in the New York State Constitution in 1894, ensuring the
protection of the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves; and
WHEREAS, The Marshall brothers spent their formative summers at
their family camp on Lower Saranac Lake, where they developed a deep
love for the Adirondacks, exploring the region by taking long walks and
climbing its many small mountains; and
WHEREAS, On August 1, 1918, George and Bob Marshall, along with
their friend and guide Herb Clark, set out beyond the Saranac Lakes area
to climb Whiteface Mountain, marking their first ascent of a peak over
4,000 feet in the Adirondack Mountains; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by this initial climb, the trio identified 41
additional peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation, committing themselves to
ascend each one as a personal challenge and for the sheer joy of
wilderness adventure; and
WHEREAS, In 1922, following their climbs, Bob Marshall authored "The
High Peaks of the Adirondacks," a concise guide chronicling their
remarkable journey through the region's highest mountains; and
WHEREAS, This work came to the attention of Adirondack historian
Russell "Russ" Carson, who corresponded with the Marshalls during his
own research for Peaks and People of the Adirondacks, and who identified
four additional peaks for inclusion in their list of High Peaks; and
WHEREAS, Embracing Carson's recommendations, the trio climbed the
additional four summits and, upon discovering they had not summited Mt.
Emmons in full, returned and completed their quest on June 10, 1925,
thus climbing what they believed were the 46 highest peaks in the
Adirondacks; and
WHEREAS, Their pioneering accomplishment inspired a group of outdoor
enthusiasts from Grace Methodist Church in Troy, New York, who in 1937
formed the Forty-Sixers of Troy, a club dedicated to following in the
Marshalls' footsteps; and
WHEREAS, As interest grew, the Adirondack Forty-Sixers were formally
established in 1948 to maintain records of individuals who successfully
summited all 46 High Peaks; and
WHEREAS, Grace Hudowalski, the first historian of the Adirondack
Forty-Sixers, officially recorded Herb Clark, George Marshall, and Bob
Marshall as the first three members of the club, assigning them climbing
numbers one, two, and three respectively; and
WHEREAS, The Marshalls' early hiking experiences grew into lifetimes
devoted to wilderness advocacy and environmental stewardship-Bob
Marshall being a founder of The Wilderness Society and George Marshall
serving as president of both The Wilderness Society and the Sierra Club,
as well as a long-time member of the Adirondack Mountain Club's
Conservation Committee; and
WHEREAS, In the century since their final summit, more than 16,000
individuals have taken on the challenge of climbing the Adirondack High
Peaks, each drawn by a spirit of curiosity, adventure, personal growth,
and communion with nature; and
WHEREAS, The Adirondack Forty-Sixers continue to embody the spirit
and dedication of their founders, volunteering countless hours to
protect the natural resources of the Adirondack Park and to promote
sustainable use of its trails and wilderness areas; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers and to
honor George and Bob Marshall and Herb Clark for their historic
achievement, enduring legacy, and commitment to wilderness preservation;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Adirondack Forty-Sixers.
