Jean Cashin retires from ATC

Jean Cashin, the longtime information specialist at the Appalachian Trail Conference’s headquarters in Harpers Ferry, has retired. She marked her last day at her “up front” desk in April.

Jean has been the smile that, for 24 years, has greeted long-distance hikers trudging into Harpers Ferry on their way from Georgia to Maine, or vice versa. It is almost impossible to read or watch anything about the trail without seeing Jean Cashin’s beaming face. She has long earned the title of “Mom” to many backpackers.

The trail conference organized a retirement party for Jean in late April, and many of her friends came out to wish her well. During that party, she was presented with a small token of appreciation by Noel DeCavalcante, the coordinator of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, on ALDHA’s behalf. Noel reported that the event went well, the weather was perfect, and everyone had a good time.

Jean was going to be honored at Trail Days in May, but she was unable to attend due to an illness. The folks in Damascus, Va., were hoping to have her lead the thru-hikers’ parade and then receive greeters and well-wishers at The Place, the hostel run by the Methodist Church for hikers, bicyclists and other folks passing through town. But, like we said, she couldn’t make it.

That leaves ALDHA’s Gathering in October, and plans are afoot to devote the feature entertainment on Saturday evening to a celebration of Jean’s many contributions to the hiking community.

(NOTE: For details on how it went, check out the wrapup on the 1996 Gathering.)

Trailhead
New Boots • Gathering • Grapevine • Springer Fever
A.T. Companion • Headlamp Material • Work Trips • Side Trails