History of "Yer gonna die"

Our favorite phrase can be traced back at least as far as 1958. From a NYT article in 1986: "Mr. Ross, 43, discovered rock climbing and the Gunks 28 years ago... 'Some of the oldtimers saw us with our clothesline and said, 'You guys better buy a rope or you're going to die.'"

Its actually a really fun read, and if I didnt tell you it was from 86, you might not guess they werent talking about today! nytimes.com/1986/11/29/nyre…

Interesting quote from 1986:
"In the last 15 years, as vast improvements in equipment have made climbing safer and more popular, the Gunks have been discovered by a wider range of participant. Many serious climbers, along with officials of the Mohonk Trust Preserve, express concern that the crowds will harm the area."

Thanks for sharing... fun read!

The "Mr. Ross" mentioned is my supervisor at the preserve. He retired as a guide and works there as the Director of Visitor Services. I will send him this link and can tell you that he will get a kick out of the flash from the past.

Jim Turner wrote:Interesting quote from 1986: "In the last 15 years, as vast improvements in equipment have made climbing safer and more popular, the Gunks have been discovered by a wider range of participant. Many serious climbers, along with officials of the Mohonk Trust Preserve, express concern that the crowds will harm the area."

Happiegrrrl wrote:The "Mr. Ross" mentioned is my supervisor at the preserve. He retired as a guide and works there as the Director of Visitor Services. I will send him this link and can tell you that he will get a kick out of the flash from the past.