A memorial celebration honoring Earl Shaffer will be held May 3-4, 2003, along the Appalachian Trail at the Ironmaster's Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park near Gardners, PA. Friends and family of Earl along with the many hikers who loved and admired him are all invited to attend. The schedule begins at 1 pm on Saturday, May 3, and concludes with a memorial service at 9 am on Sunday. There will be a potluck dinner followed by a campfire on Saturday night. A $5 day-use donation to the Ironmaster's Hostel is requested from everyone participating in events at the Mansion.
If you plan to attend, please email John Shaffer as soon as possible to help us anticipate the number of people participating. If you wish to camp overnight in the park, telephone 888-727-2757 in advance for reservations. General information about the park is available by calling 717-486-7174 or visiting the Park's website. Overnight cost of a campsite for up to 5 people is $12-14.
If you wish to stay overnight in the Hostel at Ironmaster's Mansion inside the park, make reservations in advance by calling 717-486-7575 or email Shawn, the Hostel Manager. A bunk costs $14 per night. Bring your own sheets and pillowcase (as sleeping bags are not allowed on the bunks). No smoking or pets are allowed inside the Hostel.
Here are Mapquest directions to reach Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Memorial Celebration for Earl Shaffer May 3-4, 2003
Saturday, May 3
1 pm. Showing of "Wilderness Spirit," a colorful 1-1/2 hour documentary about Baxter State Park and Katahdin, which includes a segment of Earl climbing Katahdin in 1998
3 pm. Showing of PBS documentary on the Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail, covering the trail's history from its origin through Earl's 1998 thru-hike. It features an interview with Benton MacKaye, clips of early trail construction, Myron Avery, Earl and many others. The film was dedicated to Earl.
4 pm. Hikers' and family stories about meeting or hiking with Earl, and readings from Earl's poetry
6 pm. Potluck Dinner
7 pm. Video clips of Earl singing and playing the guitar and impromptu slide or video clips
8 pm. Campfire with folk songs, sing-along, etc.
Sunday, May 4
7 am. Potluck Breakfast
9 am. Memorial Service conducted by Rev. Evan Shaffer, Earl's brother