J 1221: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers

 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.