1955 August 2 - ...On the way down, via Hincks Path, will try
to find the ruins of "Spur cabin" which was more or
less near Chandler Falls some thirty years ago.-- Harry Adams,
Randolph. AMC Construction Crew '55.
P.S. That confounded john floor has got to be shored up,- otherwise!!! August 25 - On my inspection tour, to investigate
reports of the john floor, etc. Everything in the cabin in good
shape, except mattresses!-- Fred Phinney, RMC, Randolph, NH September 1 - Inspecting again. Everything
okay in cabin. Going down to see if john floor is as bad as all
that.-- J. Denton, RMC. September 14 - Didn't take john floor too
seriously until I realized what might happen if it did break.
Seems to support 130 pounds now, though. Hope John Denton got
a good look at it... (no name) 1956 June 30 - ...Glad to see the Perch in such
good shape... unfortunately, we forgot the signs we were supposed
to put up.-- Christopher Goetze, Dan Vernson (?), Trailboys '56 July 14 - Came over after eating lunch
at Crag Camp on our way to clear the Hincks Trail.-- Brian Taylor,
Stan Washburn, Klaus Goetz, Dan Clemson, Barbara Goetz, Danny
Clarke. August 9 - Came to sharpen axe, probably
last official visit this summer. Still hope to tackle porch supports
in near future. There was a party of five here for nearly a week
around August 1st. Too bad they don't sign. This camp does get
used and loved. - The Management of Camps (Rolf Goetz) August 17 - Up Lowe's Path, Randolph Path,
yesterday afternoon to find Perch in fine condition - a real
pleasure after passing the Log Cabin. We spent an amusing half-hour
watching a bald eagle soar in the thermals on top of Nowell Ridge....
Judy and Al Hudson. August 22 - According to the 1944 guide,
the Perch was no longer in existence and all we dared hope for
was a little clearing for our sleeping bags. What a suprise it
was to find such an excellent place!.. Julia and Paul Lindermaier. August 31 - Hiked to Edmands Col-- stainless
steel emergency shelter located there. It is not on any maps,
since it is almost brand new. It leaks, and is like a drum, and
there ain't no wood for miles around.-- John Field/Peter Grigg,
Braintree Ma. 1957 June 17 - Trailboys '57 came by and found
the place in fairly good order. Plenty of wood outside. -- Chris
Goetz, Brian Underhill. June 26 - 2 (Two) years ago somebody complained
about the john floor. It is still being complained about!!--
A.J.M. July 14 - ....Came over for annual maintenance
tour. Fixed floor of John-- at least, so that it should hold
up as long as the rest of the building does. Also improved the
bridge over the Grayknob swamp...-- W. Field, Prop. July 20 - ...This trek began in Glacier
National Park, Montana, was interrupted by train rides-- including
one down from Montreal yesterday-- linking eastern with western
mountain scenery-- I love 'em both-- Paul Carter, Montana State
University, Missoula, Montana. August 4 - What a nice place this once
must have been-- liked the upstairs! Too bad people and mice
can't leave it cleaner. We three are glad to see Gray Knob at
last, and hope to return and do some wall-chinking?-- Barbara
Sittinger, Cambridge, Mass. Pinkham Notch, 1953-'56 August 18 - Ed Hansen and Burt Moses in
from Great Gulf Shelter. The solitude is welcome after enduring
the company of multitudes of week-end hikers. We never have seen
anyplace like this before-- quite a welcome change. Queens Village,
New York. August 24 - ...Stayed overnight, left for
Adams, Madison and Glen House. Then on to Passaconaway. This
must have been a beautiful place when it was new, but--
-- Bill Merrill, Ralph Page, Charlie Simpson, Jack Fisher, U.N.H.
'58 September 20 - 8:10 Total darkness and
thick fog. Three people lost. I've been whistling and can't hear
so I'm resting here. 8:30 Still not found. September 21 - 9:40 Lost girl found after
harrowing night on the cold hill side-- (no names) 1958 June 12 - Delightful night.-- Christopher
Goetz.
P.S. Trouble with the john again. This time everything but the
floor needs replacing. June 30 - Just coming down from Madison.
Place looks okay but I agree with the above statement.-- Phil
Rich, U.S.F.S. Patrol July 9 - The town of Randolph has appropriated
$300 for repair of Gray Knob and john, so watch this spot for
future developments.-- Michael Field, RMC Concierge '57, '58. July 13 - CP Belcher, 5 Joy Street, Boston.
Alan (3 1/2), Joan and Betsy Belcher up from Randolph for the
day-- Things look good. July 17 - RMC packing party, hauling mattresses,
lumber, wire, stove, etc.-
Christopher Goetz, 71 lbs (1 hour 55 min)
Robert Underhill, 51 lbs
Bruce Butler, 31 lbs
Mike Field, 85 lbs
Klaus Goetz, 28 measly lbs July 26 - Ready to go down after one hektic
(sp) week of awful cooking and repare (sp) on cabin. Stayed from
July 21-26.-- Freeman Holden August 2 - Came up here with Sam Huntington
in hopes of capturing 10 toads and 3 squirrels; unfortunately,
we only got 9 toads and 3 squirrels-- a day badly passed... (no
name) August 30 - Last official visit of the
summer. Came over to replace pane of glass. Brought 8x10 pane
instead of 7x9... blacked stove, slopped creosote over porch
and self... Mike Field, Crag etc 1957, 1958. September 5 - Here via the beautiful Hincks
trails, to put up the "can pit" sign. Everything in
fine order. We are so happy that so many have enjoyed this cabin
since the 'chinking party'! - Klaus Goetze September 6 - Crag was full of 17 AMC'ers
so we came back here.- Doug and Peter Grant. November 29 - ...We left our wives at the
Log Cabin, will head back there after lunch.-- Bob Berg and Bob
Price 1959 January 1 - Making the rounds of all the
camps to put "1959" in the log books... planned to
go over the range until the weather closed in and we had to go
down instead.- Bob Underhill, RMC Trails '58, Chris Goetze, RMC
'56, '57, '58, Brian Underhill, RMC Trails '57 June 23 - Came over from Crag for sunset.
Tomorrow hope to meet father and investigate Cascade Ravine.
Possibly with a view to reopening trail.- Chris Goetze, RMC Trailcrew
'56, '57, '58 August 7 - Party of nine, arrived 4:00,
all of us from New Jersey. Bugs terrible, low ceiling. Place
in incredibly good condition. - Gail Hooverman. August 12 - ...Saw a girls camp on the
way over here. Am leaving for Crag. - Bobby Wyman. August 13 - Bob Currier. USFS 13:25 leaving
for Madison Huts. On trail mapping detail. A very well built
rustic camp, and in a very well picked spot.-- Bob Currier, Conway
N.H. August 17 - Passing through from Crag on
inspection tour of camps. On down Lowe's Path to Randolph.- Marge
Cross, Randolph N.H.
Taggin along with the Camp Inspector.- Moby Mudge, RMC Trails
'59
Following sister on camp inspection tour.- Linda Cross
Proprietor taggin along with Linda, looking for criticism left
by "camp inspector"...-- Charley Swift, prop. September 3 - Arrived in the rain and fog
from the Great Gulf shelter-- tremendously impressed by the cleanliness
and good condition of the cabin... Found and left a good supply
of wood. Paid a short visit to our sister cabin, Crag Camp to
renew acquaintances with the outhouse with the most outstanding
view east of the Tetons. We were not disappointed. Also, Charlie
Swift has kept Crag in great condition, true to the training
of an AMC hutsman. Returned to Gray Knob for a pleasant ham roast
followed by watching the sunset from the Lowe's Path cut off...--
Bill Hoffman, Zool '50 1963 August 15 - Robert McIntosh. Range Patrolman,
USFS. Been busy at repairs-- Grayknob to be reborn. August 29 - Leaving after two nights, warm
and without rain. It would have been nice to test the new roof.
Please help yourselves to the supplies before they freeze. Does
anyone know how to get the axe sharp? There is a file, but I
am too stupid. Next year we hope to have a good renewal of the
whole cabin, but even now, the upstairs has become quite snug.-
K. Goetze 1964 June 23 - Through from Edmands Col and
summit of Adams-- rendezvous with the Atherius Society. Back
to Crag-- MaryAnne Cross, RMC July 4 - Ninth trip (this one) -- Flooring.
-- K. Goetz July 5 - Routine Inspection trip to RMC
shelters. Gray Knob, despite the efforts of the caretaker, is
a bit messy. Papers and trash and unmentionables all over the
place. People better learn how to take care of campsites such
as Gray Knob. The present condition shows downright disrespect
for what the RMC is trying to do here.-- Warren Brodhead, USFS
Range Patrol July 7 - Positively the last trip-- number
ten.-- K.G. (Flooring) July 13 - Today marks the beginning of
the beginning of Gray Knob's rebirth and use as the finest cabin
in the White Mountains. Am presently awaiting the arrvival of
the train of experts responsible for Gray Knob's future.-- Crhis
Campbell, Crag Caretaker July 13 - Me again. It wasn't the last
trip!-- K.G. July 17 - Today was an anxiously awaited
one for me-- we came up to meet my dad (Freeman W. Holden). He
has been winterizing the camp-- Gray Knob shall really be the
best camp by the looks of it now!....Andrea Holden, Randolph
N.H. July 22 - Came and spent the night amidst
the chaos of change and "winterization." So struck
by the awesome facade of the new Gray Knob that I fell asleep
in the 6th inning. Might come by soon to see if Freeman is still
holding out.-- Warren Brodhead, USFS. August 14 - Brought up 100 pounds of everything,
including the kitchen sink.-- Bill Arnold, Crag '63 1973 August 14 - The new Gray Knob log book.
Ending caretakers at the time: Hawley Knox III, Crag Camp. Allan
Tolles Eusden, Gray Knob. This should be the last log book of
the old Gray Knob, as next year there are hopes for a grand remodeling.
(note in margin: But never happened!) 1974 February 7 - A fine day yesterday but snowing
today. It has warmed up considerably since our arrival. Minus
15 degrees when we got here Monday through Tuesday and 21 degrees
today (Thursday). The mice, squirrels and rabbit are out and
around, chewing on the insulation day and night. A fine day on
the ridge yesterday but poor now. 3:00 pm time to leave-- stove
worked too well. All the snow around the windows is melting and
leaking in. The area looks really beautiful with the new snow....
Chris Dearly and Ray Montana, Summer Forest Service Ridgerunner July 12 - Whoever coined the phrase, "quiet
as mouse" never slept here.-- E.D. July 31 - We started at Webster. I'm too
tired to write! Peter Rowan-- KMC, New Canaan, Ct. August 8 - Sean Irlbacher was here and
had a decent time. 1977 September 2 - Hello, I am your caretaker
Davis. I am your host in the White Mountains. I am not your bloody
servant (like many A.M.C. hutmasters are.) However, I will most
always go out of my way to service any needs you might have. September 3 - ....Crag Camp and Gray Knob
are terrific! The A.M.C. could learn from Randolph Mt. Club about
facilities for backpackers. Davis is a person who cares about
what he's doing. It makes a difference....-- Natalie Friedman. September 6 - ...Captain Davis-- take good
care of your ship. It's looking good, but the underwear hanging
from the roof can go. It's not very aesthetic.-- T. Miller/ USFS
Patrol September 10 - Almost lost Crag Camp to
ashes tonight. Some boys had their stove go out of control and
the fuel blew up. A bloody disaster was overted when a mattress
was thrown on top of the flames. By Jesus, I was close to out
of a job next summer. -- Caretaker. September 17 - Came back from days off.
Brought up a 110 pound load. So far it's my record. Took me 2
3/4 hours from Route 2.-- Caretaker. November 1 - The winter caretaker is now
here! Hope I make it through till April. Mike P, RMC.
P.S. I'd like to thank Davis, the fall caretaker, for cutting
and splitting such a large amount of firewood. You're a good
man, Davis. 1978 January 1 - ...This week was quite an experience.
Half way through the week I went down the mountain with Sean
Irlbacher to get some beer for New Year's. The beer never made
it 'till New Year's. But Mike went down the day before and got
more. I wish I didn't pass out before New Year's but I heard
about it the next morning. Mike the caretaker is a really great
guy. He brought up 2/5 of a gallon of champagne.... Curt Detzer,
Danbury, Ct. March 19 - Second Annual Spring Party.
Though we're two days earlier than scheduled, we've declared
that this day be the official Spring Party Day for 1978. The
same crew was present again, this time the roles were reversed.
Mike P and Diane Holmes were the winter residents and Mike Johnson
and Kathy Mitchell were the guests... Seems we're forming a tradition
of greeting spring at Gray Knob.
-- Mike Johnson, Mike Pelchat, Diane Holmes, Kathy Mitchell April 13 - ...Mike brought me rock climbing,
up a 5.6, really enjoyed it. I'm honorary caretaker for the night.
Rained today, losing snow fast-- hate to see winter go. -- Bob
Champoux, Berlin NH April 16 - Goodbye, Gray Knob. I'll never
forget the winter the winter of '77-'78.-- Mike P. April 24 - Two beautiful days spent in
comfortable Gray Knob... we felt like we were on the roof of
the world. Wonderful cabin-- the A.M.C. should take notice on
how to treat trampers.-- Bill Leukhardt. May 9 - The outhouse blew down. Pieces
all over the mountain. Big fun in store.-- Paul F, caretaker. May 18 - If someone doesn't show up soon
I'm going to go stark raving mad. Maybe I am already. Six days,
I feel like I'm in solitary. And of course, to make things all
the more enjoyable, it's raining again. Well Herman, another
game of fish?-- Paul F. (Ever seen an ermine deal cards?) June 1 - AH!! Memorial Day Weekend is over
and it has been intense! People just mobbed the huts like I have
never seen. Summer is here!!-- Paul F., Caretaker. June1 - Future Caretaker's Take Note: Davis
and Jim G., if a rather large and loud group from Burriville,
Rhode Island show up at these huts, kick them out on their lazy
asses. Those Buffoons left at least 150 pounds of trash at Crag,
along with numerous empties. They made a sneak exodus down the
Spur and when I showed up at 7:30 am they had already left....
Well, you've been warned, throw a few into King Ravine for me.--
Paul F. June 1 - ...I learned a lot up here, being
exposed to the elements, as well as talking to you. You're definitely
okay. Remember that going up St. Elias, when the ice and snow
begin to work you over. You can do it... go for it my friend.
Love, Virginia. June 3 - Intense. Never forget these last
few days. NEVER.-- Paul F., Caretaker. June 14 - IF YOU WANT A JOB THAT COMMANDS
RESPECT, MAYBE YOU CAN BE ONE OF US. CONTACT YOUR R.M.C. RECRUITER
OR SEE YOUR CARETAKER. THE FEW. THE PROUD. THE R.M.C. June 29 - ...As one thumbs through these
pages, a diversified accumulation of stories are written in various
styles that denote many characteristics of people who have stayed
in this famous hostel. As I look over the many entries from people
all over the world, I can only wish I could have met and partied
with those people. May Gray Knob exist forever for those who
seek good company, comfortable accomodations and fine memories.
-- Davis Woodruff, Caretaker, Fall of '77, summer '78 July 3 - Good bye Gray Knob. See you next
winter... Good luck to Davis and Jim up here this summer...--
Paul Flanagan, Spring Caretaker RMC. July 3 - Yesterday was one of the most
peaceful days I have spent in the moutains. Have come to really
love this area...Davis, the jolly troll, the king of the forest,
keeps us laughing, makes us feel welcome... his treasure trove
is filled not with diamonds or rubies or even incense and magic
powders; it is an ice cave hidden in the forest greenery, filled
with Heineken and Miller High Life... Paul, our intrepid mountain
climber, guardian of the cliffs and boulders, his private playground
over which he beckons one and all to climb and scramble... today
he ventures forth beyond our forest world, to bring back tales
of glory and adventure on the slopes of Mount St. Elias... scaling
a 3,000 foot ice-covered headwall, 18,000 feet up from sea level
in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness... Thank you to those
forest creatures-- Davis, Denise, Paul and Jim for sharing their
mountain kingdom with us and for making us feel so welcome...--
Gary and Alan. July 18 - The life is here and living is
now! So live it now and leave the other for later!
-- Take Care, Caretaker (Davis) July 15 - Davis-- Jack Stewart and Chips
will be up for 'surprise' inspection on Tuesday.-- Jim Grant. July 18 - Today is the day I leave and
it's all so terribly sad for me... lots of good times, sunsets,
and people who have come and gone. Back to PA. to work until
September when I join Davis in Nashua...-- Until next time, Denise. August 2 - Brought up the tin siding for
Crag Camp. I truly love these huts and I'll do just about anything
to keep them around for my kids to use. 19th time up and down
this year...-- Davis. August 12 - I really appreciate the hospitality
that the RMC provides for beings that come to the Whites to enjoy
themselves, rather than the hassle that the AMC gives you behind
the desk of their hut system (hotel chain)-- you guys really
create a homey athmosphere-- I hope whoever reads this doesn't
get the wrong idea, because the AMC does a tremendous job on
NH trails, and I'm sure the RMC does too!-- Mark Hatfield. September 20 - The winter caretaker is
now here. I'll try to stick it out 'til April 1. Hope I make
it. Over the course of the next month and a half I will be cutting
this winter's wood. All would-be lumberjacks are welcome to help.
See me and I'll have you chopping like Paul Bunyan in no time.
-- Paul F., RMC. September 20 - ...I still think it would
be easier to move the cabin to the wood supply...-- Glenn. September 23 - First day of fall. Beautiful
clear, crisp day, foliage is nearing its peak. Up today with
Francis and Farrell O'Conner To help Paul cut some wood for the
coming winter...-- Mike Pelchat, '77-'78 Winter Caretaker. September 30 - Up to set up some survey
markers on the summits of Madison, Adams and Jefferson for the
Museum of Science mapping project... Gray Knob is great!-- Dave
Buchanan, AMC. October 2 - Back up today, with Oakleigh.
The joint is in one hell of a mess-- but at least the weekend
crowd didn't burn 'er down... the weather is a mess too, good
time for woodcutting. "Clear cut, anyone?" There's
enough gas and oil up here to cut the, "Mount Adams Auto
Road."
"Low gear is best on Lowe's" -- Caretaker. November 12 - Well, folks, the mouse population
(153+ and growing) is about to be decimated by the new mouser,
Casey Jones. Six claws and ready for action... Another close
call at Crag tonight-- FIRE! Contrary to some people's belief,
gas stoves don't suddenly put themselves out when they're about
to explode. Ah, well, life goes one... Fog has rolled in, the
valley is obscured... this past week has been comparable to June,
high 50's with tons of sun...-- Paul, Caretaker, Hotel Gray Knob,
RMC Scenic Area. November 29 - J.T., your stove gets the
prize! A Molotov cocktail if ever there was one... I heaved it
out the door just in time to see an explosion that would have
done the Wizard of Oz proud. Thank God for heavy gloves...--
Paul, Caretaker. 1979 January 11 - Up from Randolph-- a beautiful
moonlit, cold evening. Although trails were unbroken, the cold,
windless weather made for fast ascent...-- Dave Andersen. January 12 - Fast ascent, 55 minutes with
a light pack. Feel like Chouinard all over again...-- Paul F.,
Caretaker. January 22 - Gray Knob, home to thousands
of hungry mice, one human exile and an occasional weary mountain
traveller. The mountain sleeps tonight, the weekend has passed
with hardly a knock on the door. Heavy snow has changed previous
ice capades situation to a game of "Giant Step". May
there always be a deeper challenge and a better line.-- Dave
Shoemaker. February 12 - Token "Frigid February
Entry". Mad crowds here this weekend...28 below and more.
Many cold toes and frosted noses. "Stick 'em in the fire,
mate!"-- P.F., caretaker. (Note: the
rest of this logbook is empty, except for a few newspaper articles
about the deaths of Dave Shoemaker, Paul Flanagan and Davis Woodruff.) April 9 - Nothing like a winter storm warning
to send everyone to the valley.-- Mike Pratt, Caretaker. April 15 - Today is the last day I will
spend at my beloved Knob. It's taken me three months to get my
courage up... Of course, I made the ascent during the still of
the night (like old times) and a quarter moon guided my way.
Somehow, though, even with people inside, the knob was still
empty. I miss Paul so much... every peak, star, tree, bird or
outhouse I see reminds me that he is still alive up here....
I brought some dirt from his Peabody grave up here. I sprinkled
some at Crag, the Quay and Gray Knob. I'm taking some from up
here and bringing it to Peabody and his mom.... Love always,
Joan Kendall. June 12 - I'm up here for the first time
as Linc and I explore the region around our Madison Hotel. I
can't think of a more peaceful place to be than this Gray Knob
which maintains a mountain simplicity that the AMC gave away
to Boston socialities looking for cocktail conversation.... Mike
Torrey, Lakes '78, Madison '79 June 25 - It's been toooo long! I'm finally
up for a classic view after missing the Knob for sooo long! This
place beats all.-- Davis Miller Woodruff, Caretaker Fall '77,
Summer '78 September 17 - Day 1 for this caretaker--
seven and a half months more. Let the snow and cold come soon...
time for life in the slow lane.-- Jeff Tirey. September 19 - Snow!! Wimps beware. Winter
is upon us... Jeff Tirey. September 29 - ...this is one of the nicest
cabins I saw on the whole of the Appalachian Trail... -- Larry
Zaleski. October 30 - Announcing: Due to the recent
completion of renovation work on the roof, the R.M.C. is happy
to announce the (re) opening of the Gray Knob Hilton. Enjoy the
warmth. -- Jeff Tirey. October 31 - Mice 0 Caretaker 2. December 31 - ...I can't believe that Jeff
did all this stuff for us strange New Year's Eve hikers-- beer,
brownies, fruitcake, champagne, etc. and goodwill and friendship....Jack
Pobuk, President, WPIOC.
