Name/Title
Ellen Searby Wafer PitonEntry/Object ID
2026.1.8Description
Vertical wafer piton belonging to Ellen SearbyContext
Piton owned by Ellen Searby, partner of William Harding during his ascent of the Nose. Searby was in the base support group when Harding climbed the Nose. She took photos of them hauling the Dolt cart up, and brought loads of supplies to the base. A small ring was most likely placed in the hole, as rope was not commonly used at that time and the hole is too small for a carabiner. Creator unknown.Collection
Yosemite Climbing Museum Permanent CollectionCategory
Climbing Hardware, Pitons
Acquisition
Accession
2026.1Notes
Ken Yager possibly acquired in 1993 from George Whitmore (?)Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
engraved E SLocation
top of bladeDimensions
Dimension Description
length and measurement of the widest partWidth
1 inLength
3-15/16 inMaterials
Material
steel, softMaterial Notes
Ken said either soft iron or steelLocation
Location
Display Case
Exhibit Case 07Date
January 20, 2026Provenance
Notes
Ken Yager possibly was gifted by George Whitmore in the 1993 visit in FresnoGeneral Notes
Note Type
Cataloging NoteNote
Caption in Museum is: "Wafer piton that belonged to climber Ellen Searby. Warren Harding went through several climbing partners on the Nose of El Capitan. He also had quite and entourage of people willing to help with ferrying loads to the base. Ellen was part of the entourage and was also Harding's girlfriend."Create Date
January 20, 2026Update Date
January 20, 2026