Proposal: As part of the expansion to the Teton County Parks and Recreation Center, create a “Pioneers Boulder” that honors the pioneers of Teton mountaineering and continues the historical tribute begun by the Teton Boulder Project and the proposed Rangers Boulder addition.
Background: In November 2019, Teton County Voters approved Proposition #9, which allocated $22,000,000.00 for “designing, planning, engineering, construction, and equipping the renovation and expansion of the Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center.” The amenities included a line item for “1,000 SF Outdoor Climbing Boulders.”
Rather than develop a series of smaller boulders, which would dilute the impact and quality of the amenity, we propose creating one 1,000-square-foot boulder, similar in size to the “Boxcar Boulder” at the Teton Boulder Park, and using it to commemorate the history of the Teton climbing pioneers with a tribute that can be appreciated by all who visit the Teton County Rec Center.
The historical component would provide an overview of “who’s who” in Teton climbing history that offered synopses of the contributions of mountaineers.
Parameters of Inclusion:
The first ascent of a significant Teton peak higher than 11,000 feet via a route Class 5 or harder (see grading system here)
The first ascent, first winter ascent or first female ascent of three or more Grade III routes, two or more Grade IV routes, or one or more Grade V routes
Pioneers will be listed chronologically, with list of significant Teton accomplishments followed by significant ascents in the Greater Ranges.
Teton mountaineers to research for potential inclusion:
Native Americans, date unknown: first ascent of the Enclosure
Nathaniel Langford
James Stevenson
William Owen
Franklin Spalding
Albert R. Ellingwood
Eleanor Davis
Paul Petzoldt
Glenn Exum
Jack Durrance
Kenneth Henderson
Robert Underhill
Fritiof Fryxell
Fritz Wiessner
George Lowe
Dave Carman
Jack Durrance
Richard Emerson
Willi Unsoeld
Leigh Ortenburger
Irene Ortenburger
Sue Swedlund
Mike Lowe
Jeff Lowe
Alex Lowe
Jack Tackle
Jack Durrance
Henry Coulter
Richard Emerson
John Gill
Ray Jacquot
Herb Swedlund
Jim Beyer
Bill Briggs
Yvon Chouinard
Catherine Cullinane
Peter Lev
Rod Newcomb
Renny Jackson
Rolando Garibotti
Greg Collins
Hans Johnstone
Mark Newcomb
Stephen Koch
Thomas Turiano
Ron Matous
Aaron Gams