An abundance of grit
In the waning months of 1889, the year that Washington became a state, the Seattle Press newspaper ran a job search that called for “hardy citizens . . . to acquire fame by unveiling the mystery which wraps the land encircled by the snow capped Olympic range.” It is unclear how many responses were received, but the job was handed to James Christie (who was, ironically, a Canadian). He was made the leader of five men, four dogs and two mules, the Press Party, and set out to cross the peninsula during the heart of one of the harshest winters ever recorded in the area. The main requirement for consideration as a team member, according to the Press, was “an abundance of grit and manly vim,” and by the end of the grueling expedition, each of the men had shown their strength and endurance over and over.
I have read thousands of job descriptions since I entered the working world over 30 years ago and I have never seen a position that was described as powerfully as this one. They just don’t write ’em like they used to.
About Ken Campbell
New Release
A story of sea kayaking and science on the rugged coast of Alaska. Coming – Spring 2014.
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