Fred Stott says in his preface to this book that “if you ever hiked or skied a White Mountain trail between 1922 and 1959 you may well have met Joe Dodge. Certainly you know his name. If you have been on a trail since 1959 the chances are good you have heard of him, very possibly a tale about him. Without question the best-known inhabitant of the White Mountains in this century was Joseph Brooks Dodge, Huts Manager of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire. He became a legend during his lifetime. The legend has grown in the years since his death.” Here is the first book to tell about that legend thanks to Bill Putnam’s long and intimate friendship with Joe Dodge, and his numerous anecdotes which make this remarkable man come to life. Joe himself tells much of the story in his colorful and often blunt speech. Joe Dodge managed the far flung AMC Hut System, running from Lonesome Lake to Evans Notch, each hut providing food, shelter, and sleeping quarters for hikers. In addition he founded the Mount Washington Observatory because he was interested in weather and realized the importance of establishing a permanent year-round outpost on the highest peak in northeast North America. He was also a public servant of the community where he lived. Joe Dodge was a builder, too — of huts located miles from the nearest habitations or highways. Just as important, he was a builder of public awareness that these huts and all outdoors belonged to and must be open to the public. He was also an educator who shared with all his wisdom, his knowledge, and his zest for learning. Everyone who loves mountains and relishes a skillfully written portrait of an unique personality who understood both the out-of-doors and the people who enjoy it, will want to read and own this book.
