The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1913-03-27
ALP |NE CLUB

Here is a unique organization start
ed by women, but which may be DIES.
tined to become subject to the major.
ity rule Of men-unless the athletic
young ladies Of the nation wake up tc
the occasion and break through the
ranks Of the "See America First
tourist line extending to the Roof of
the Continent in Glacier National
Park.
The American Alpine Club was
originated in spirit of curiosity 10y
three women tourists who last sum.
mer climbed the SUBMITS on the Roof
of the Rockies in Glacier Park to get
bird 's-eye kodak views of the Switzer-
land of America.
The wonderful stories they had
heard of the Indian legends attached
to these mountains led this trio of
school-teacher vacationers on to the
heights where, incidentally, they also
were rewarded by first hand lessons
in geography and geology which they
carried back home with them for
their pupils in the public schools.
The "exploring expedition" which
led to the formation of the unique or
ganiZatioM, having its inception in
Woman's curiosity, was carried out
largely as the result of Il dare.
The party Of school teachers, so
charmed by the picturesque and TO-
mantle aspect of the Swiss chalet vii
lage nestled in the pines upon the
shore of beautiful Lake st. Mary's,
had decided to change their itinerary
and spend an extra day there. They
had become acquainted with Dawn
Mist, a beautiful Indian maiden who
was born in that region. The Indian
legendary stories of the surrounding
mountains fascinated the school
teachers and they expressed the wish
that they could climb the SUBMITS
and view at closer range the spots
held SO sacred by the red men. Dawn
Mist, in her simple way, said they
might easily do so and she volun-
teered to guide the way.
Feminine hearts tluttered at the
prospect of such a thrilling exper-
lence. There was dare and that
settled it. Next morning the fair
party of mountain climbers started.
The pale face women followed the
Indian girl up the winding trail to
Flat Top mountain. Rifting clouds
away as if to reveal the won
ders below for their special benefit,
and, from the great elevation the wo-
men gazed down in bewilderment
upon the pond-like surface of st.
Mary's Lake.. which they knew to be
ten miles long. 1t now looked only
about one mile in length to them.
The amazing comparison of height
and distance made the blood of these
spectators Jingle.
The initial trip above the clouds
only served to Whet the appetite of
1he fair adventurers and before they
finished touring the park these women
seven SUBMITS and beheld
he colossal beauty of marvel-land
only as it is revealed from the top of
he Rockies.
The story of the mountain climbing
If these frail women spread rapidly
n the Swiss Chalet villages scattered
through the park with the result that
other tourists, many of them men of
followed suit and scaled the
in order to get the "much
leralded views of scenic grandeur"
presented to the vision only from
hese points Of vantage in Natures
Mammoth Amphitheater.
So now the American Alpine Club
las had artistlcally designed buttons
made for distribution among Glacier
National Park tourists, according to
heir various mountain climbing
achievements. Consequently great |