Orra Almira Phelps (10 September 1895-26 August 1986) was an American physician, botanist, naturalist, mountaineer, and writer. Phelps was born in Storrs, Connecticut. Her mother was a noted botanist in her own right and mentored Orra.[1] Her father struggled with employment. As a result, the family moved frequently and Orra helped take care of her six siblings.[2] She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1918 after studying zoology and geology and later graduated with a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1927.[2] Phelps served as a navy physician during World War Two, and later taught botany and biology in Saratoga Springs.[3] In 1934, Phelps published the first trail guide to the High Peaks Region.[4] It was noted for its accuracy and thoroughness; she hiked each of the trails herself to ensure it was complete.[2] She became an Adirondack Forty-Sixer in 1947, one of only forty-seven people at the time. Phelps had extensive knowledge of the plants and animals of the area, and as the first ranger-naturalist for the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) she organized a nature museum in a tent and her car, and educated guests and visitors about the wildlife.[2]
An 18-acre parcel of land in Saratoga where Phelps used to go birding, specimen hunting, and walking was donated by her niece to become the Orra Phelps Preserve.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Collection: Orra Almira Parker Phelps and Orra A. Phelps papers | Mount Holyoke and Hampshire College archives". aspace.fivecolleges.edu. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ a b c d "Breaking Trail - Purple Mountain Press". www.catskill.net. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "Orra A Phelps Collection Finding Guide".
- ^ "Museum Is Open Through September 27" (PDF). Mansfield Historical Society Newsletter. 51. 2015.
- ^ "Orra Phelps Nature Preserve » Saratoga PLAN". Saratoga PLAN. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
Bibliography
edit- Arakelian, Mary (2001). Doc : Orra A. Phelps, M.D., Adirondack Naturalist and Mountaineer. North Country Books Inc. p. 326. ISBN 978-0925168665.