On November 18, 2009, in Idyllwild, a Reunion took place of some pioneering climbers who put up early routes on Tahquitz Rock in the 50’s, 60's, and 70’s . Joe Fitschen, Jerry Gallwas, Don Lauria, John Long, Charlie Raymond, Royal Robbins, and Mike Sherrick met and shared stories and anecdotes as part of the Idyllwild Community Recreational Council Speaker Series, co-hosted by the Idyllwild Area Historical Society. **
In conjuction with this event, the IAHS opened a new exhibit, Climbing Tahquitz Rock, which showcases the history and vintage and modern equipment used by rock climbers on Tahquitz and Suicide rocks.
A timeline shows many first ascents of now famous routes and there are photos of the pioneer climbers in action, as well as video segments of interviews with early climbers Ellen Wilts and Glen Dawson.
** A DVD of the Pioneer Climbers Reunion event is available for purchase at the museum.
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