My guess is that between books, magazines, maps, framed prints, posters, and my digital collection I have over 2000 items in the Hock Alpine Library. For the past year, I have been in the process of adding my personal stamp to every item in the collection.
The collection includes: a few out of print "relatively" rare climbing novels; a "rare" first watercolor (in exchange for climbing lessons) from a very well known Alaskan artist; the first ground breaking Chouinard mail order catalog in mint condition; the "rare" Mountain Magazine devoted to European alpine ice routes and their history; a "rare" English edition of the history of the Dynafit alpine touring binding; as well as complete collection of the Alpinist magazine from issue 0 to the current #91. Among the Fossils, El Presidente has justly earned his nickname, and so too have I, as the Historian!
My alpine collection has been a great joy, however my current challenge is to figure out what to do with it in the future. Eight years ago when we moved to the farm, my collection encompassed 75 boxes. I imagine now, if I had to guess it would occupy probably 90-100 boxes. Our house and the Fossil Cabin have ample space. However, most people and organizations don't have the desire or space to house such a collection. (If I were to keel over and die tomorrow my kids and Selden would be pulling their hair out saying "what the fuck, do we just rent a dumpster?") Thankfully, it looks like I am not going to keel over anytime soon, so I have plenty of time to work on this problem.
I have begun to think about donating portions of the collection to certain organizations. Likely places that might be a home for a portion of my books and mountain memorabilia include: the American Alpine Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, Adirondack Mountain Club, Union College, St. Lawrence College, the Harvard Mountaineering Club, Dartmouth Outing Club, as well as the local libraries of Keene Valley, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid.
HOWEVER BEFORE I MAKE THOSE DONATIONS, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO ME IS THAT MY KIDS, MY CLIMBING PARTNERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES GET FIRST DIBS!
David Hochschartner (Hock)
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