Ellen Searby Wafer Piton

Object/Artifact

-

Yosemite Climbing Museum

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.

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.

Name/Title

Ellen Searby Wafer Piton

Entry/Object ID

2026.1.8

Description

Vertical wafer piton belonging to Ellen Searby

Use

Piton

Context

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 Collection

Category

Climbing Hardware, Pitons

Acquisition

Accession

2026.1

Notes

Ken Yager possibly acquired in 1993 from George Whitmore (?)

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

engraved E S

Location

top of blade

Dimensions

Dimension Description

length and measurement of the widest part

Width

1 in

Length

3-15/16 in

Materials

Material

steel, soft

Material Notes

Ken said either soft iron or steel

Location

Location

Display Case

Exhibit Case 07

Date

January 20, 2026

Provenance

Notes

Ken Yager possibly was gifted by George Whitmore in the 1993 visit in Fresno

General Notes

Note Type

Cataloging Note

Note

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, 2026

Update Date

January 20, 2026