ABOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS HIKING CLUB A Brief History | The Club Today | Hikes | Social Events | Club Organization Current Officers | Member Recognition A Brief History The Indianapolis Hiking Club was formed on January 23, 1957 by a group of Hoosiers who liked to hike and work on trail maintenance projects, like the completion of the 22 mile Yellowwood Trail in Brown County. In the first year membership grew to 82. The constitution the founders adopted stated the Club's purpose was "To encourage a love of nature through the promotion of outdoor recreation in the form of hikes and outings." The Indianapolis Hiking Club, which will be 65 years old in January 2022, has grown and evolved through the years, but has always remained faithful to the goals of the founding members. In 2021 we continued to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, although several social events had to be cancelled, the Club still managed to schedule 2,047 hikes. However it might come as a surprise that for the first 20 years the Indianapolis Hiking Club scheduled only one hike a week on Sunday. During the early years, the Club also sponsored a holiday season party, summer picnic, social and business meetings and weekend overnights, often in conjunction with other hiking clubs. The first "year in review" Trail Blazer report was published in January 1969. It recapped the Club's activities during 1968, which was representative of the Club's early years. Click here to view the first Trail Blazer, which will give you a nice recap of Club activities during 1968. In 1968 the membership grew to 165. Dues were $2.00 annually plus $.10 a hike. And it cost $.04 to mail the one page schedule. Only 52 Sunday hikes were scheduled, ranging from 1 to 13 miles with an average distance of 5-6 miles. The one mile hike was to see downtown Indy Christmas displays. Hikes typically drew 20-30 members and 10 or more guests and children. About half the hikes were to out-of-town locations we often hike today, including Brown County State Park, Morgan Monroe State Forest and Jackson State Forest. Hikers usually carpooled from the Indiana statehouse and the Board suggested reimbursing the driver $0.01 per mile. Members often enjoyed a cookout after a hike. Some notable events in the Club's history: 1958 "Trail Blazer" (little man with the hiking staff) becomes the Club logo 1963 Name tags were adopted 1967 Started tracking member mileage. Sorry no credit for Club's first 10 years 1969 First "Trail Blazer" report published recapping 1968 events and member mileage 1970 Board sets a goal of at least one 10-20 mile hike a month 1974 Bill Larrison coins Club motto "Happiness - A step at a time" 1975 Following a number of unpleasant incidents, pets were banned from hikes 1976 Win Pulsifer pens lyrics for official Club song 1978 Saturday hikes and multiple hikes on the same day begin to appear 1979 Tom Patterson, the Club's all time mileage leader, reaches 1,000 miles 1979 First men's "Beauty Pageant" at Gnaw Bone camp 1981 Weekday hikes begin appearing on the schedule 1982 Club celebrates its Silver Anniversary with several major events 1983 First "self guided", set-your-own-pace hikes 1985 Club participates in its first German-American Volksmarch 1986 Ron Craig develops a hike rating system, still used today 1987 Dues raised to $5.00 single and $8.00 for family 1989 Old tradition of collecting $.10 a hike is abolished 1991 Bill Murphy, first Club president, passes away 1997 Club celebrates its 40th anniversary 1998 First annual Club trip to Smoky Mountains National Park 2000 Reba Wooden develops the Club's first website 2000 Single day distance record of 43 miles set by 5 hikers 2001 Halloween costumed hike, hay ride and wiener roast 2002 Member Carol Barnes thru hikes the Appalachian trail for the 3rd year in a row (the only women ever to do so) 2003 Hikes scheduled in every Indiana State Park and State Forest and 7 states 2004 13,494 hikers complete 1,114 hikes, both records 2005 20 hikers complete a 10 hike series across the state of Indiana (190 miles) 2006 Seven members set an incredible single day distance record of 62 miles 2006 Annual Achievement Award Program established 2007 Governor and Mayor declare January 23 "Indianapolis Hiking Club Day" to recognize our 50th Anniversary (view proclamations) 2007 All time mileage leader Tom Patterson passed away. He hiked 42,590 miles 2008 Club adopts a new logo featuring both a man and a women hiker 2008 Seventy-five members attend trips to the Black Hills and Grand Teton National Park 2009 Glee Crowder becomes the first winner of the Bill and Nell Larrison Pinnacle Award 2010 A winter hiking trip to Tucson, AZ draws 90 members and guests for desert hiking 2011 Long time Club patriarch and 47 year member Bill Larrison passed away on January 23 2012 Now you can like us on Facebook too 2013 Seventy members and guests enjoyed a week of hiking in rugged West Virginia 2014 Designated "Pet Hikes" were scheduled for the first time since 1975 2015 Fifty members and guests attend a weeklong trip to Rocky Mountain National Park 2016 Club celebrates Indiana's Bicentennial by hiking in all 25 Indiana State parks. 2017 We followed up last year's state park hikes, by hiking in 10 IN State Recreation Areas 2018 Glee Crowder breaks Tom Patterson's all time distance record. In 2021 she became the first member to reach 50,000 miles 2019 55 year member Nell Larrison, wife of long time Club patriarch Bill Larrison, passes away at 104; the end of an era 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic shuts down all hiking from mid-March until June 1. Thereafter, hiking resumes with masks and social distancing, but all social gatherings are cancelled 2021 A colorful 40 page history book to celebrate the 65th Anniversay of our Club is published and given to all members The Indianapolis Hiking Club has been serving its members and the community for 65 years. We are more vibrant than ever, thanks, in large part, to an inspired vision, the efforts of countless volunteers and many wonderful traditions. While the main focus has always been hiking, it has been the camaraderie that's kept the Club thriving since 1957. The Club Today On October 1, 2021 (start of our fiscal year), the Indianapolis Hiking Club had 532 members, making us one of the largest hiking organizations in the US. Our members come from all races, creeds and national origins. We have slightly more women members than men. All age groups are represented (must be 18 to join) and the median member age is above 50. A sizable percentage of our members are retired. Most members live near Indianapolis, however it is not uncommon for people to drive from as far away as Lafayette, Brown County and nearby states to a hike. Members who have relocated to other states often maintain their membership and the close friendships developed over the years. Some physically challenged long tenured members still participate in slow and easy hikes and social events. A large percentage of our members share multiple interests related to the outdoors and keeping fit and participate in other related organizations, such as backpacking and biking clubs, the Sierra Club, photography clubs, bird watching and conservation groups and the worldwide Volksmarch organization. Guests are welcome on all hikes as are children and grandchildren. Sorry, but pets are only allowed on designated "pet" hikes. To learn more about joining us, review how to become a member. Hikes Webster's dictionary defines hike as "a long walk, especially for exercise or pleasure". Using that definition, the Indianapolis Hiking Club definitely hikes a lot. In 2021 the Club sponsored 2,047 hikes - 5.6 hikes a day. Collectively 339 members hiked 87,061 miles in 2021, making us one of the most active hiking clubs in the country. Although there are a number of mall hikes on our schedule (although far fewer mall hikes were schedued in 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic), hiking is mainly an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails, rural roads and paved sidewalks and walkways. Hikes are scheduled every day of the year and all members are encouraged to lead. In a typical week 40 hikes are offered, including morning, afternoon and evening choices on most weekdays and a variety of moderate and long distance options every weekend. Although spring and fall are our most popular seasons, a full schedule of hikes is offered in the dead of winter and during the warmer summer months, making hiking a year round activity. All hikes are rated as to speed, distance and terrain and a full spectrum of choices is offered each week. Moderate speed and distance hikes predominate (typically 5-7 miles at a 2.5-3.5 miles per hour pace), however challenging hikes (12-20+ miles at a faster pace including hilly terrain) are scheduled frequently. In recent years we have increased the number of "slow and easy" hikes (3-4 miles), which appeal to many of our older members and people recovering from medical issues. Most of the Club's weekday hikes follow roads and trails in or near Indianapolis - Eagle Creek Park is our most popular venue. Weekend hikes typically include in-town and out-of-town options. During 2021 we offered hikes in many Indiana State Parks and state forests, the Hoosier National Forest, the Knobstone Trail, nature conservancies, wildlife refuges and numerous rural communities in Indiana and nearby states. Many themed hikes were also offered, including weekly wild flower hikes in April, museums, monuments, concerts, restaurants, flower gardens and opportunities to learn more about the geography, geology and history of our great city and state. Three extended stay trips were scheduled including the 24rd Annual Smoky Mountains trip in April, Hocking Hills State Park, OH also in April, and Cumberland Falls State Park, KY in October. Two planned trips were postphoned due to the pandemic, notable McCormicks Creek SP in March and the Scottish Highlands in May, both have been rescheduled for 2022. In 2022 the Club expects to offer over 2,000 hikes again. Extended stay trips are planned for a winter weekend at McCormick's Creek SP in March, Smoky Mountains NP in April for the 25 year in a row, the Scottish Highlands in May. We will also offer a number of Florida hikes for our winter snowbirds. Of course there will also be our Annual Winter Banquet during the holiday season, summer picnic and Oktoberfest at Gnaw Bone Camp. Click here to see a list of all the future trips. No matter where your interests lie, you will almost certainly find hikes on our schedule that are perfect for you. Check out the current hiking schedule on this web site and see for yourself. Social Events Although hiking remains the primary focus, the Club sponsors a Winter Banquet during the holiday season each December, a summer picnic in July, a General Assembly in September, Oktoberfest at Gnaw Bone Camp in October and social oriented long weekend outings every winter and several other times of the year. Many hike leaders tack on pitch-ins and visits to museums, gardens, concerts and restaurants at the conclusion of a hike. Overnight hikes and out of state trips usually include planned social activities. Following a number of recurring weekday hikes, it has become a tradition for hikers to meet for coffee, lunch or dinner. As an example, the "lunch bunch" has been meeting every Thursday after the Eagle Creek hike for more than 30 years. Hiking with the Club is as much a social experience as physical exercise, or as one member put it "Hiking is better than therapy." Club Organization The Indianapolis Hiking Club is a completely voluntary not for profit corporation with no paid officers or staff. Although it supports a number of local and national organizations dedicated to hiking, conservation and trail maintenance, the Club expressly avoids actions or activities that might promote controversy or divisiveness, or favor any commercial, political or special interest group. The Club Constitution provides the organizational framework; you can review it by clicking Club Archives. A Board of Directors meets monthly and oversees all Club business. You may view Board Meeting minutes and financial statements by clicking here. See below for a list of the current Board members. All Club members are invited to a General Assembly each September during which new officers are elected. The Club's fiscal year starts on October 1, which is when the new Board takes office and annual dues become due. A combination hike schedule and newsletter is published every two months. Members have the option of viewing it on this website (encouraged to keep costs down) or receiving it by mail. In January a Trail Blazer report is posted on the website (mailing was ceased on 2021 to save printing and postage costs) recapping the prior year's hiking activities and listing all members annual and lifetime mileage. Also in January, all members are mailed a current membership roster which includes addresses and phone numbers. Use of this information for commercial or personal solicitations and the conversion of directory information to digital media is strictly prohibited. To protect members privacy, the membership roster is is not available on the website. Current Club Officers Following is a list of Indianapolis Hiking Club officers for the Club year beginning October 1, 2021. The President, VP, Pathfinders (schedule the hikes), Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors At Large are elected to a one-year term at annual General Assembly in September. The incoming President appoints the other officers to a one-year term. If you would like to volunteer to be on the Board or serve on one of our committees, please contact the President. President - Lori Showley Vice-President - Rick Wortman Pathfinder (weekends) - Jean Ballinger Pathfinder (weekdays) - Ed Wright Secretary - Konnie Schlechte Treasurer - Kathy Whalen Directors at large Sue Collins Ann Heighwy Mary Barbara Miller Lorraine Smith Conservation - Marti Burton Membership - Marti Burton (acting) Mileage - John McShea Publicity - Marla Zinkan Publications - Kae Ramey Social - Pat Lawler Webmaster - Ed Wright Electronic Media - Phil Coons Club Historian - Mervyn Cohen Member Recognition INDIANAPOLIS HIKING CLUB ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS In 2006 the Club established an Achievement Awards program to recognize hiking related achievements during the Club year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. Winners are announced at the Winter Banquet during the holiday season. There are eleven different awards, in categories such as hiking more than 1,000 miles and completing the longest scheduled hike. In addition to hiking related awards we also recognize new 25 year members at the Winter Banquet. To see a description of the awards and a list of the most recent and past winners click on Achievement Awards. ALL TIME MILEAGE LEADER On May 9, 2018, Glee Crowder broke Tom Patterson's all time mileage record of 42,590 miles. Glee continues to add to the record. In 2021 Glee was the first member to reach 50,000 miles and as of September 30, 2021 she had amassed 52,572 miles. SINGLE YEAR MILEAGE LEADER In 2012 Glee Crowder hiked a record 3,368 miles with the Club, an average of 64 miles a week. Glee has hiked more than 3,000 miles in a year four times. SINGLE DAY DISTANCE RECORD The current single day distance record is 62 miles, set on April 28, 2006 by seven members. This record has been tied (same hike from Washington DC to Harpers Ferry, WV) in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Rita Bymaster has hiked this incredible distance ten times. To see a list of the other people who hiked 62 miles click on Achievement Awards. 10,000 - 40,000 MILERS Over 46% (245 out of 532) of our members have hiked more than 1,000 miles with the Club. However, only 44 active members have hiked more than 10,000 miles; 11 members have passed 20,000 miles; 6 have hiked more than 30,000 miles; and 2 members - Glee Crowder and Allan Roberts - passed 40,000 miles. Here are our active lifetime mileage leaders as of September 30, 2021: * Glee Crowder 52,572 All time mileage leader. First member to achieve 50,000 miles. * Allan Roberts 43,172 * Jill McFall 36,702 * Rick Kinnaman 35,339 * Cherie Voege 31,165 * David Kincaid 30,017 * Mary Lester 26,225 * Michele Kestle 25,409 Passed one time around the earth (24,901.5 miles) * Tish Brafford 24,234 * Ed Wright 23,918 * Ricki Jo Hoffmann 22,735 * Julie Litten 18,543 * Tom Hollett 18,049 Sadly, passed awary in November 2021 * Marsha Hutchins 17,670 * Mary Lang 17,036 * Jim Griffin 16,820 * Rick Braun 16,129 * Donna Chastain 15,419 * Kae Ramey 14,679 * Joanne Applegate 14,591 94 years young and still going. * Curtis Hinds 14,301 * Mary Ann Layman 14,240 * Martin Dadel 14,211 * Mary Williams 13,081 * Lucy Neal 13,054 * Pat Lawler 13,013 * Ron Mutzl 12,603 * Janet Cohen 12,316 * Carol Radke 11,979 * Jeff Edmondson 11,900 * Jean Ballinger 11,745 * Mike Kahlil 11,709 * Mabel Easton 11,351 * Cheryl Conwell 11,124 * Bob Layman 11,000 * Cindy West 10,892 * Rita Bymaster 10,786 * Ellen Mutzl 10,486 * June Pogue 10,420 * Bob Corya 10,392 * Marge Braun 10,243 * Daymon Evans 10,208 TWENTY-FIVE YEAR MEMBERS Following is a list of the 73 people who as of September 30, 2021 have been Club members for more than 25 years, including 2 new additions this year. These people represent the history and backbone of our club. Years a member * Ed Lavagnino 54 years * Phyllis Cassetty 53 years * Jo Ann Jones 51 years * John Jones 51 years * Marsha Hutchins 47 years * Janice James 47 years * Pat Warner 46 years * Steve Warner 46 years * Rick Byers 45 years * Jerry Green 45 years * George Lindley 44 years * June Pogue 44 years * Russ Pogue 44 years * Christine Nitz 42 years * Allen Pekar 42 years * Bob Corya 41 years * Ron Craig 41 years * Linda Elliott 41 years * Jim Jones 41 years * Mary Lang 40 years * Mabel Easton 39 years * Jill McFall 39 years * Laurel Richardson 39 years * Mike Khalil 38 years * Linda Crawford 37 years * Cheryl Conwell 36 years * Ray Howell 36 years * Pat Lawler 36 years * Susan Niedenthal 36 years * Bill Boyd 35 years * Mary Lester 34 years * Nan Tate 34 years * Tony Abbott 33 years * Jean Ballinger 33 years * Larry Kahl 33 years * Richard Kinnaman 33 years * Michael Collins 32 years * Rachael Joachim 32 years * Michele Kestle 32 years * Cheryl Abner 31 years * Lee Kestle 31 years * Richard Vonnegut 31 years * Penny Eisenhut 30 years * Reba McFarland 30 years * Judy Kothe 29 years * Allan Roberts 29 years * Kaye Smith 29 years * Pat Starzynski 29 years * Brian Burke 28 years * Donna Burke 28 years * Kate Curtiss 28 years * Marthene Kohlmeyer 28 years * Bob Layman 28 years * Marti Applegate 27 years * Jim Griffin 27 years * Anita Pearson 27 years * Richard Sexson 27 years * Mary Ann Beurke 26 years * Kathy Braun 26 years * Carol Fine 26 years * Ricki Jo Hoffmann 26 years * Peggy Hollett 26 years * Tom Hollett 26 years * Mary Ann Layman 26 years * Cathy Mayfield 26 years * Judy Torrence 26 years * Cindy West 26 years * Debbie Witcher 26 years * Elaine Wright 26 years * Steve West 25 years New to the list of 25 year members in 2021 * Reba Wooden 25 years