Donald McLain
Active in the DPS: 1944-1955
Born in 1888
Don McLain was a surveryor for the U.S. Army and
later worked for the U.S.G.S. While on a contract with the army to create maps
of Baja California in preparation for possible military action involving the
famed Pancho Villa
McLain claimed to have made an ascent of Cerro de la
Encantada (aka El Picacho del Diablo or La Providencia) in the Sierra San Matir
Range. Later
Norman Clyde
who climbed the peak in 1932
interviewed Don
McLain about this claim. Based on the information received from McLain
Norman
was convinced that he did inded climb it. Don Mclain is thus credited with the
first ascent of this emblem peak.
McLain is responsible for naming many
of the peaks of Southern California while employed by the
USGS. Info by John W.
Robinson
Don McLain named Mt. Dawson
after my father in 1928. Don McLain and his wife were very good friends of
my parents. As a boy he gave me several unexpected gifts such as a Stetson hat.
Don worked for Security Bank and I have or had a map which he drew for
distribution by the bank. When there was a blank spot on the map he would
write in the name of a friend of his. Mount Dawson is between Mt.San Antonio
and Wrighwood.Somewhere there is a McDill Peak. In San Jacinto Moutanins he
renamed Folly Peak Fultz Peak but Francis Fultz was insulted by the
honor
. - Glen Dawson
Don
McLain Photographer
location
and date unknown. Taken from Dawson
publication on El Picacho del Diablo
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