On this date in Maine history: July 17

[left-of-center2012]

July 17, 1939: Twelve-year-old Donn Fendler (1926-2016), of Rye, New York, becomes separated from his family during a storm near the summit of Maine’s Mount Katahdin.

Putting his Boy Scout skills to use, he survives nine days without food or proper clothing, then finds his way back to civilization in the town of Stacyville, having shed 16 pounds.

Donn Fendler chats with a young reader at a book signing in Bangor in 2011. Associated Press/Michael C. York

The search for the missing boy generates nationwide attention. Fendler later writes a book about the experience, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” which becomes a classic children’s book.

Fendler serves in the military during World War II and the Vietnam War, retiring as an Army lieutenant colonel and settling in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Donn Fendler shows the sack which he used as a sleeping bag while he wandered for eight days in the wilds of Maine in July 1939. Associated Press


https://www.pressherald.com/2020/07/17/on-this-date-in-maine-history-july-17/

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. I hiked Katahdin a lot back in the 70's/80's....

I imagine the trail systems were a lot less developed back in his day and it would have been brutal to get around in the Park if you lost your bearings and went off whatever trails existed at that time.

Thanks for posting!

[jpak]

3. The last time I tried Katahdin was on June 14 1984

Half way up we encountered white out snow squalls.

My GF and I huddled under a space blanket until we could get down.

GF was really pissed off at me for talking her into the climb.

Pamola is not to be trifled with

Nope

[OAITW r.2.0]

4. I have a few stories about hiking Katadhin and going down tha backside out to some outrageous pond..

At least 6 moose in the water and feeding. And so, so much more.

[jpak]

2. That was required reading when I was a lad in Maine

And it was followed by a long discussion about what NOT to do if you got "turned around" in the woods.