Adirondack Mountain Club Records

Access and Research Use Note:

The ADK Board of Governors "Resolution on Archives", (March 3, 1992) as appended to the Deed of Gift has established the following conditions governing their use:

1. Anyone requesting access to the ADK archives must have written approval from the Executive Director of ADK.
    
2. Copyright in any correspondence, written material, quotation or other contents of said archives is expressly retained by the ADK and/or the correspondent where applicable.
    
3. Any use of any material, documents or quotations from said ADK archives for publication or other use in the creation of any book, manuscript, periodical or other published document is expressly prohibited without the written permission of the Executive Director of ADK.
    
4. Except for the Library's own use no materials, documents, records or any other part of the ADK archives may be reproduced or duplicated without the express written permission of the donor ADK.
    
5. Names or characterizations of any individuals mentioned in the ADK archives may not be used for any purpose, including publication, without the express written permission of the donor ADK.
    
6. Anyone using the archives of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Inc., must sign as an express condition of use a written statement assuring that they or any principal or agent, will not publish any material from these archives without the written permission of ADK.

Historical Note:

The Adirondack Mountain Club, popularly known as "the ADK" was founded in 1922 as an organization for people interested in promoting conservation, recreation, and education in the Adirondack Mountain region of New York State. It has since grown substantially from 208 charter members to over 20,000 members enrolled at large and in one of many chapters situated throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The idea of forming the ADK was conceived by Meade C. Dobson, who was then an official of the New York State Association of Real Estate Boards as well as the Palisades Interstate Park Trail Conference. He believed there was need for a private organization that could help the State develop trails and shelters which would make remote areas of the Adirondacks better accessible to hikers and backpackers. Encouraged by the initial support of his idea from George D. Pratt, Conservation Commissioner of New York State, and William G. Howard, Superintendent of Forests, Dobson invited other like-minded individuals to a special pre-organization meeting held on December 5, 1921, at the Log Cabin atop Abercrombie & Fitch sporting goods store in New York City. From the 40 people present, an organization committee was formed, including representatives of outing, recreational, educational, government, and business interests. In addition, they formed a Charter Membership Committee.

Plans were quickly formulated and on April 3, 1922, 75 of the 208 certified charter members attended the formal organization meeting at the A & F Log Cabin. They proceeded to organize the club by electing executive officers and a board of governors, and adopting the constitution and bylaws. Within two weeks a certificate of incorporation was filed with the New York State Government, that was officially granted April 25, 1922. Among the stated objectives in the Certificate of Incorporation was to develop and maintain trails; to construct and maintain campsites, open shelters (lean-tos), and permanent camps, maintain a bureau of information about the Adirondacks, publish maps and guidebooks, and educate the public regarding the conservation of natural resources and prevention of forest fires.

In October 1922, ADK held a general business meeting at the Lake Placid Club, in which the main item on the agenda was a motion presented at the April Meeting by Warwick Carpenter regarding Mountain slope protection and recreational development. To deal with the motion, a conservation committee was formed with Henry S. Graves, Dean of Yale Forestry School, as chairman. The committee presented a report rejecting the Carpenter proposal as being too specific as to areas to be acquired. The Executive Committee approved the conservation committee's rejection, which was subsequently endorsed by the majority of members. Also, at this meeting the club formally recognized the establishment of local chapters at Albany and New York City. In January 1923, ADK held its first annual meeting in which the membership received reports submitted by the club officers, committees, and local chapters. The election officers and governors also took place.

In its early years when there were few trails, ADK supplemented the work of the New York State Conservation Department by clearing and marking 140 miles of trails. This included the Northville-Lake Placid Trail, a task completed within two years, which traverses the Adirondack Mountains from north to south for more than 130 miles. The trail is now maintained by the state. Other trails and shelters were built in the high peaks region leading out from the Johns Brook Valley to the Great Range and Mount Marcy. The club maintains a portion of these trails including part of the scenic Range Trail and those over Big Slide Mountain. Trail work continues today under special contract with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the enlistment of volunteers from local chapters and members-at-large. The ADK Trails Committee, originally known as Trails, Camps, and Shelters, has coordinated these activities from the very beginning.

In the field of conservation, the club has had an established policy since 1928, that has advocated recreational use and development of the Adirondack Park in proper balance with the "Forever Wild" provisions of the State Constitution. Through the years, the ADK Conservation Committee has pursued this policy objective by actively lobbying in Albany for sound conservation legislation. In 1931, the club supported the Hewett amendment which enlarged the Adirondack Park and permitted the State to protect Forest lands outside the Park. When rampant commercialization threatened the region as a result of the Winter Olympics, pamphlets were distributed by ADK to help defeat the Porter-Brereton Recreation Amendment in 1932. Later in the decade, the club strongly supported the retention of the "Forever Wild" provision in the revised New York State Constitution, crafted by special convention in 1938. The 1940's began with a spirited debate between club members who supported, and those against the Whiteface Ski Trail Amendment. In October 1945, the club convened a Conservation Forum to establish a plan of action regarding anticipated postwar growth in recreation and other uses that could greatly effect the wild character of the Adirondack Park. This was also the beginning of almost a decade long struggle to defeat the proposed Moose River Reservoir-Panther Dam proposal and amendments related to recreational development, mining, and lumbering interests. Highway construction also became a major concern of the club, especially proposed road through the Indian Pass Wilderness and in 1958-1959, the proposed route of the Adirondack Northway. During the 1960's, the club was once again in the forefront of efforts not to have constitutional guarantees weakened at the 1967 Convention as well as supporting the Conservation Bill of Rights Legislation. Proposals to create an Adirondack National Park and the Gooley Dam Project on the Hudson River were rejected by the ADK. In recent decades, the ADK has been supportive of and constantly working for the improvement of the State Land Master Plan and related administrative activities of the Adirondack Park Agency. The club has also taken interest in federal legislation such as the clean air and water acts, the wild and scenic river project, and wildlife protection measures.

Recreational opportunities have been available to the club's members from the very beginning. Annual weekend outings are held each Spring, usually in the Catskill and Autumn at Keene Valley. An extended outing program began in 1958 with a special trip to the Canadian Rockies. Since, ADK has sponsored trips to western United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Each chapter also has their own outing programs. Winter recreation programs have been promoted by ADK since mid-1930's when it created the Winter Activities Committee to serve members interested in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Since 1948, badges have been awarded to individuals and groups showing outstanding accomplishments in winter mountaineering. In 1954, a five day Winter Mountaineering School was begun that offers training sessions on snowshoeing, ski touring, ice climbing, and rescue techniques as well as lectures on safety. This program has been jointly administered since 1974 with the Appalachian Mountain Club. A special beginners weekend school has been offered since the early 1980's. The Winter Activities Committee was renamed Outdoor Activities Committee during the 1960's with the establishment of rock climbing and canoeing programs. During the 1970's the boom in hiking and backpacking activities led to the creation of the Ridge Runner Program starting in 1974, when three individuals were hired to patrol the main trails giving advise, information, and occasional warnings regarding proper conduct in wilderness. This was a pilot program that was eventually assumed by the DEC's rangers.

The ADK has enhanced its recreational programs through the ownership and operation of two mountain lodges. Adirondack Loj, situated on Heart Lake near Lake Placid, was leased by the club for many years beginning in 1932. It was purchased outright in 1958 and substantially renovated in 1962-1963 including the construction of an annex that provided kitchen and rest room facilities. A shelter for hikers and backpackers was built on the grounds during the mid-1970's. Johns Brook Lodge, situated 3 " miles by foot trail from Keene Valley, was constructed by the club, 1924-1925 as a base camp for hiking and climbing in the High Peaks region. It too has undergone renovations over the years. Cabins and lean-tos are also situated on ADK lands surrounding the lodge.

Publishing has been a principle ADK function from almost the very beginning. Its first major venture was a 4-8 page newsletter issued periodically beginning in November 1922, known as High Spots. This publication was expanded to a 20+ page quarterly magazine in 1930 that offered feature articles on hiking, camping, conservation, nature, history, and literature as well as club news. After 1937, High Spots became an annual yearbook before it was phased out after the 1944 issue. Meanwhile, the ADK Bulletin, a new bimonthly periodical emerged in 1937 that originally consisted of 10-12 pages of news about club activities, events, and policies. In 1945, it was renamed The Ad-i-ron-dac with an expanded format that included feature articles. The present title Adirondac first appeared in 1962 along with increased issuance to ten per year. It was reduced to six issues per year in 1990.

Another significant publication project began in 1934, when a pocket guide to trails of the high peaks region was released. This was the first in a series that now covers the entire Adirondack Park. These guides have been revised and updated several times. In conjunction with the guidebooks, ADK published special trail maps. In addition, ADK has provided a map marking service that annotates U.S.G.S. topographic maps. During the 1950's, the first edition of the Adirondack Bibliography was released, which too has been revised several times.

The educational function of ADK has not been so much a separate entity, but rather a major aspect of its policies and programs in conservation, recreation, and publications. Conservation is enhanced by public information campaigns that have generated popular support for maintaining constitutional and statutory protection of the Adirondack Park and other wilderness areas in New York State. Recreation has been enhanced by schools and workshops on activities such as backpacking, bicycle touring, canoeing, rock climbing, and snowshoeing. In addition, ADK has published several brochures on wilderness customs and safety. Since the 1960's, education has been furthered by Ranger-Naturalist programs held at Adirondack Loj during the summer. It includes seminars on subjects such as flora, fauna, ecology, and geology.

Governance of ADK has been accomplished chiefly by the Executive Officers and the Board of Governors. The executive officers now consist of the president, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, and executive director, all of which are elective post except the latter two. The executive director is appointed by the Board of Governors to serve as the chief administrative officer of the club's main headquarters. It evolved from part-time clerical position created circa 1928, called the executive secretary. In 1956, it became a full-time job with managerial responsibilities and given the present title in 1972. The administrative offices are presently housed in a building it owns situated near Lake George, New York. For many years, the club operated out of rental office space or the homes of its executive secretary. In 1973, the former Friends Meeting House in Glens Falls was purchased by the club for its headquarters and was maintained until 1990, when the club moved to a new facility near Lake George.

In closing this section, the intent here was only to provide a brief overview of the ADK club history in regards the organization's principle activities and functions. Comprehensive histories are available in special anniversary issues of the Adirondac: November 1972 and November 1982.

Scope and Contents Note:

The archives of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) document the activities and function of the organization from its inception to the present. It is comprised mostly of records created by the main organization, but also includes records created by some of its semi-autonomous local chapters. Arrangement of these records is according to principle activities and functions or form of material. There are eleven series:

1. Organizational,
2. Correspondence,
3. Administration and Financial,
4. ADK Foundation,
5. Lodges,
6. Conservation,
7. Trails and Recreation,
8. Education and Publishing,
9. Chapter Reports and Newsletters,
10. Publications, and
11. Local Chapter Records.

The organizational series consist of a variety of material relating to club history and its governing and administrative structure. Included are files containing the proceedings of the organization and charter membership committees, December 1921-April 1922, the minutes of the organization meeting, April 3, 1922; certificate of incorporation, April 25, 1922, first constitution and bylaws, and charter membership roster. Also included are subsequent printed revision of the constitution and bylaws and membership rosters which were frequently combined. The second subseries consist of minutes, programs, and other materials related to the first general meeting of October 1922, and subsequent annual meetings. Some of the reports that were originally appended to the minutes are now filed with the committee records. Minutes of the Board of Governors comprised the third subseries, that chronicle the action taken on all business set forth on the agenda. The decisions made by the Board of Governors are important because the body is empowered to determine all policies and programs of the club with the exception of amending the constitution and bylaws. The forth subseries consist of the Treasurer's Reports or Financial Statements that provide a summary all of the club's income and expenditures.

The correspondence series consist mostly of letters generated by the executive director, officers, and members of the Board of Governors, regarding policies, programs, and administrative matters. It reveals much about the important role the club leaders have in formulating policies, setting the agenda for business meetings, and defining committee tasks. Personal thoughts and opinions are also present in many letters which suggest there has been some diversity of views and perspectives among ADK leaders. The arrangement scheme here begins with all club correspondence filed together as one unit from the 1920's through the mid-1950's. Thereafter the general correspondence files concern business of the committees and the Board of Governors. The executive director files (1954-1975) are related primarily to administrative matters. It is arranged alphabetically from 1954 thru 1965, and chronologically thereafter. Also included here are specially designated files containing correspondence of club officers. These files are distinguished from other subseries here in that they were created specifically by the executive director. The ADK President correspondence relates to the activities and functions of that office. There are several gaps here as not all past presidents have relinquished their ADK related files. Lastly, there are files generated by the ADK Treasurer.

The Administration and Finance Series is comprised chiefly of records created by the following committees: Constitution and Bylaws, Membership, Nominating, and Finance. The Constitution and Bylaws committee files include correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other materials regarding proposed amendments and various revisions of the ADK Constitution and bylaws that have taken place through the years. Membership Committee materials concern application procedures, statistical tabulations and analysis, and preparation of membership rosters. Nominating committee files contain reports, correspondence, ballot forms, that reveal much about the clubs process for choosing candidates for officer and governor positions. Finance Committee (formerly Budget) files document the budget and financial planning process of the club. In addition, there are materials related to internal audits of ADK programs and the treasurer's books. Other files in this series were generated by various special (ad-hoc) committees such as Archives, Fundraising, Long Range Planning, Memorials, and Personnel. Lastly, this series includes files of the executive director, regarding the club headquarters, bank accounts, insurance policies, and office procedures. Altogether, this series documents primarily the internal operations of the ADK.

The Adirondack Mountain Club Foundation record (1972-1980) series documents the activities and functions of a special semi-autonomous organization established to handle tax exempt income and expenditures. These records include organization documents, minutes of ADKF Board meetings, and correspondence, and financial reports. Also included are files related to grant projects considered by ADKF, such as ADK headquarters purchase (1973), Ridger Runner Program (1972-1973), search and rescue operations, (1974-1975), and Ton-Du-Lay litigation fund (1974-1975).

The Lodge Series consist of records related primarily to the administrative and financial operations of Adirondack Loj and Johns Brook Lodge. It includes minutes, reports, and correspondence of separate operations committees established for the two properties that are responsible for general operating policies and procedures. Other than correspondence of the managers (formerly caretakers). There is not much information here concerning daily on-site operations. Special material regarding Adirondack Loj include copies of the purchase Agreement between ADK and Lake Placid Club (1958), floor plans (ca. 1928), and building contract, specifications, and blueprints of the Annex and other renovations (1962), and the campers and hikers building (1973). John Brook Lodge files include cadastral maps of the property (ca. 1924), deeds to property purchased or donated to ADK (1924-1929), building committee proceedings (1924-1925), and special mortgage fund subscription records (1925-1930). Also included is material on Camp Grace (1956-1958) and application proceedings regarding the construction of a crew quarters building (1976). Other files in this series relate to both properties such as the future of Lodges Committee (Ad-hoc) that revised operation committee charters, the scenic easements proposals (1976), and environmental assessment and impact studies conducted in 1988-1989.

The Conservation Series documents the formation of the ADK conservation policy and its extensive involvement in lobbying and other advocacy programs. It includes annual reports, minutes, resolutions, special bulletins, and subject files of the Conservation Committee. These files reveal much about the formulation of the club's position on most legislative and governmental policies and programs related to the Adirondack Park and other wilderness areas in New York State. Also included here are files of the Wilderness Committee (1973-1979), the ad hoc Committee on ADK's relationship with other Conservation Organizations, and ADK participation in APA Goals Program.

The Trails and Recreation Series includes records of Committees on Trails, Outings, and Outdoor Activities, and special programs such as the Ridge Runner, Rock Climbing School, and Winter Mountaineering School. Trails Committee files relate to trail construction, marking, and maintenance activities. It includes specific material in building the Northville-Lake Placid Trail (1923-1924), New York State Trail Conference (1935), Trail Booster Program (1978-1919), and Trail Crews Program (1983-1984). Outings Committee materials relate to the planning, publicity, and evaluation of programs held in the Spring and Fall as well as extended trips. Outdoor Activities Committee records relate mostly to its early efforts to promote winter recreation opportunities. It includes proceedings of the New York State Conference on Skiing (1936); correspondence, reports, and photo-essays relating to the Vee-Badge Award Program (1948-1952), and the Winter Mountaineering Manuals. Ridge Runner Program Files concern application procedures, candidate selection, work assignments, and other administrative matters. In addition, diaries of Jac Lyn Burke, ridge runner in 1977 are included here that contain notes and comments on her experiences. Winter Mountaineering School files contain correspondence, memoranda, reports, etc. relate to curriculum, instruction materials, application procedures, finances, and other administrative matters. In addition, there is considerable information regarding the move during the 1970's to administer the school jointly with the Appalachian Mountain Club. Other files in this series relate to the Rock Climbing School, the Mount Marcy 1st ascent centennial (1937), Bicycle Routes Committee (1977-1978), High Peaks Advisory Committee (1975-1977), and the Search and Rescue Committee (1971-1977).

The Education and Publishing Series consists of records generated by various committees and programs concerning these activities. The Publications Committee includes material related to printing, distribution, sales, inventories, and copyright. Map and Guidebook Committee Files include notes, data, and other descriptive information compiled by A.T. Shorey, Orra Phelps and others for the first edition of the Guide to Adirondack Trails, that was published in 1934. Adirondack Magazine Committee Files contain information on editing, advertising, subscriptions, printing, and distribution.

The Files of the Education Committee (formerly Public Information-Education) relate to its work with other ADK Committees, local chapters, schools, outdoor clubs, and other organizations in planning and developing seminars, workshops, and other special presentations. They also include press releases, and other material regarding contacts with print and broadcast media. Lastly, the series includes the records of the Natural History Committee, and special committees on the ADK 50th Anniversary (1972) and Forest Preserve Centennial (1985).

The ADK Chapter Reports and Newsletter Series consist of records submitted to the officers and governors by each local chapter. These materials provide information on chapter activities and programs.

The Publications Series is comprised of books, periodicals, calendars, and other materials published by ADK. It includes almost every issue of High Spots (1922-1937), ADK Bulletin (1936-1944), and Adirondac (1945-1991). Some of these issues are photocopies of the originals. Also, included are many editions of the ADK trail guide series, The Adirondack Bibliography, and many other books.

The Chapter Record Series is comprised of records generated by activities and functions of local chapters. Currently, records have been received from Adirondack Loj, Glens Falls, and Albany. Adirondack Loj Chapter records (1959-1968) include minutes of business meetings, monthly reports, and correspondence. Glens Falls Chapter records consist mostly of minutes, reports, resolutions, and other materials related to business meetings. Albany Chapter records consist of photocopies of all its major proceedings from 1922 to the present. They include the minutes of annual membership meetings, and executive committee meetings; reports of the treasurer and various committees.

Altogether the records of the Adirondack Mountain Club are an invaluable source of documents relating to the growth and development of conservation and recreational interests in the Adirondack Park in the Twentieth Century. In addition, they will also be very useful for current policymakers and leaders within ADK who would be interested in precedents for the policies they debate and enact.

Series Outline

1. Organizational (Boxes 1-10)

   History
   Pre-organization Committee Material, 1921-1922
   Organization Meeting Proceedings, 1922
   Incorporation Papers, 1922
   Constitution and Bylaws, 1922-1929
   Membership Rosters, 1922-1972
   Annual Meeting Minutes and Programs, 1922-1979
   Minutes of the Board of Governors, 1922-
   Treasurer's Reports, 1922-1978
    

2. Correspondence (Boxes 11-46)

   General, 1922-1969
   Executive Director, 1954-1975
   ADK President, 1952-1975
   ADK Treasurer, 1967-1972
    

3. Administration and Finance (Boxes 47-64)

   Constitution and Bylaws Committee, 1925-1977
   Membership Committee, 1972-1989
   Nominating Committee, 1936-1982
   Finance Committee, 1952-1987
    
4. ADK Foundation (Boxes 65-68)
    

5. Lodges (Boxes 69-82)

   Adirondack Loj, 1958-1988 
   Johns Brock Lodge, 1923-1988 
    

6. Conservation (Boxes 83-90)

   Conservation Committee, 1922-1988 
   Wilderness Committee, 1973-1979 
   Relationship w/other Conservation Organizations, 1976-1978 
   APA Goals Program, 1982-1983 
    

7. Trails and Recreation (Boxes 91-103)

   Trails Committee, 1923-1989 
   Outings Committee, 1926-1989 
   Outdoor Activities Committee, 1934-1982 
   Rock Climbing School, 1965-1970; 1977-1982 
   Ridge Runner Program, 1973-1979 
   Winter Mountaineering School, 1961-1990 
   Search and Rescue, Committee, 1971-1977 
    

8. Education and Publishing (Boxes 104-122)

   Publications Committee, 1922-1989
   Map and Guidebook Committee, 1922-1976
   Bibliography Committee, 1948-1973
   Adirondac Magazine Committee, 1956-1989
   Public Information-Education Committee, 1923-1980
   Education Committee, 1980-1988
   Natural History Committee, 1964-1988
   ADK 50th, 1972
   Forest Preserve Centennial, 1985
    
9. Chapter Reports and Newsletters (Boxes 123-130) (alphabetical by Chapter)

10. Publications (Boxes 123-145, 153-158)

    High Spots, 1922-1937
    ADK Bulletin, 1937-1944
    Adirondac, 1945-1991
    Cloudsplitter, 1938-1988
     

11. Chapter Records (Boxes 146-152)

    Adirondack Loj, 1959-1968
    Glens Falls, 1950-1980
    Albany, 1922-1995