The Original Truck
Dave Christenson
In the early years, 1947 to mid 1950’s, RMRG had very little group gear. Dr. Harold Walton group leader and one of RMRG founding members commented in a Daily Camera newspaper article on fund raising efforts. “Our gear amounts to 3 litters, a couple of army blankets (for litter), and a couple basic first aid kits.” The group was small and they spent part of their time trying to fundraise for equipment. They frequently worked with the CMC (Colorado Mountain Club) on fundraising and safety education projects. The lack of equipment did not stop rescue efforts. At each rescue they worked with what they had. Walton also stated “Members use their own ropes and “climbing” hardware for rescues. When members are not available their ropes are not either.”
Below are examples of the first vehicle that the group owned in early 1950’s. It was an army surplus vehicle which they covered and eventually painted yellow. It was known as the “Yellow Monster”. The Yellow Monster was very slow going up Boulder Canyon and Flagstaff Mountain. It was said to have bicycles pass it in Boulder Canyon. RMRG members who trained to drive the truck were also trained in basic maintenance and truck repair. This was essential as it broke down frequently. It was very different from the RMRG trucks today. Photos below are from RMRG alumni Dave Lewis-group leader 1958,1961,1962
Left: This photo above is in front of NIST (formerly National Bureau of Standards) of the first RMRG vehicle an army surplus truck. It was staged there, ready for rescues.
Middle: Truck on practice in trees at Brainard Lake area.
Right: RMRG’s truck painted yellow known as “Yellow Monster”. This was late winter training in Brainard Lake area. Note the RMRG “Base Camp” parachute tents under the trees.
From former group leader 1964,1965 Asa Ramsey
*RMR’s original truck was a one and half ton Army personnel carrier whose top speed was embarrassingly slow.
*I believe a bicyclist passed it one day when it was running red light/siren up Boulder Canyon.
*The truck was affectionately called the “Monster” and was the star in a movie along with Hollywood actor Charles Bickford and RMR member Stu Woodward
* As a temporary celebrity, Stu hammed it up the night the movie was first shown at a RMR meeting by offering his autograph. There were no takers.
*The mountain rescue plot/movie, sponsored by White Owl Cigars, centered on Bickford (was he in stirrups?) throwing off his exhaustion and responding to a cry for help.
*The audience jeered at the Castle Rock scene with all of the special effects exposure below Bickford.
*I believe Dave Lewis was hired by the film company to find locations for the various mountain scenes.
*When truck maintenance became a costly headache, RMR disposed of it.
*Unfortunately, the RMR copy of the film disappeared after being checked out to various members