Fred H. Cookingham
On April 8, 1921, a group interested in outdoor activities and common interest met. The name was discussed at this meeting. Later on April 21, 1921 an organization meeting was held at the Utica Public Library. Fred H. Cookingham was at that meeting. He was one of the dedicated people to help organize this club.
On April 27, the third meeting was held and Fred Cookingham prepared the first Constitution of the Club. He presented it at that meeting. The Constitution was adopted and election of Officers held. Fred H. Cookingham was the first treasurer of the Tramp & Trail Club and was an important part of the success of the club.
Source: History of Tramp and Trail Club of Utica – 1921-1946
(In DEC JAN FEB 2014-15 Schedule)

Meade C. Dobson – Beginnings
“A meeting will be held at the Utica Public Library Friday evening at eight o’clock for the purpose of organizing a Tramp and Trail club, having as its object the formation of hiking parties for exercise and nature study. The development of new trails in the Adirondacks also is to be suggested as a feature.” This notice appeared among the Reporters’ Chips in the “Press”, Monday, April 4, 1921, and it was the first news the public had that such a club was to be formed.
A few days before the announcement was published, several hiking enthusiasts met in the Library to arrange the organization of the club. The group included Meade C. Dobson, Fred H. Cookingham, Franklin Harrington, William Schachtel and William H. Flood.
The original schedule called for four “walks” a month, but early club members deemed it necessary to include one all-day hike (the first one was 14 miles), plus occasional auto trips. Such an itinerary bore the stamp of a gentleman named Meade Dobson. A real estate executive who was not a Utican, Dobson is remembered as an “enthusiastic hiker and climber,” and suggested the name of the club to the organizers. Dobson had been active in hiking clubs elsewhere, including the Appalachian Club and Green Mt. Club, and felt there was a need for a similarly well rounded and recreational organization in the Mohawk Valley. Though he lived in Utica for less than two years, he accomplished his goal. In June 1921, Dobson published an article in the New York Evening Post entitled, “New Tramp and Trail Club of Utica Finds Many Alluring Paths,” and marveled at the contrast, even then, between bustling downstate and rural upstate’s inviting wooded valleys. Dobson appears to have been a Johnny Appleseed of the hiking world! After leaving Utica, he went on to establish the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) in Glens Falls in 1922.
Source: History of Tramp and Trail Club of Utica – 1921-1946
New York State Conservationist, August 2012 Patricia Malin
(In SEPT OCT NOV 2014 Schedule)