Advertise on podcast: Alaska Stories

Photo by JKBrooks85 The photo above shows an old hardware store from McCarthy’s glory days. Many towns in Alaska got their start because of a nearby gold strike. McCarthy, Alaska has a different story. Some Copper, Some Gold, and Some Vice In the summer of 1900, “Tarantula” Jack Smith and Clarence Warren discovered a rich copper ore deposit at Bonanza Creek above Kennecott Glacier. The find was located in what is now the Wrangle-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (established in 1980) in southeast Alaska. About 310 miles east of Anchorage. Following the copper find, the Kennecott Mine was established in 1903. A Few Company Rules As miners arrived at Kennecott, they discovered that they had to live by a few company rules. Among those was a ban on alcohol, gambling, and shall we say, other “vices.” Enter the Town of McCarthy John Barrett was homesteading 296 acres of land along McCarthy Creek, about five miles from the Kennecott Mine. Later, gold was discovered nearby in Chisana (The English name Chisana derives from the Ahtna Athabascan name Tsetsaan' Na, meaning literally 'copper river') and prospectors descended on that area. But rumors of other mineral finds also brought squatters to Barrett’s land near Kennecott. Barrett decided to divide his land into parcels he could lease. The result became the town of McCarthy. Now because of the restrictions placed on the Kennecott Mine workers, the people of McCarthy decided to make liquor, gambling, and other “vices” available in their new town. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy, that they will name the next new Alaska town after you… Well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public so feel free to share it. Even the Railroad Helped To transport copper from the Kennecott Mine, railroad tracks came from the mine and ran right along McCarthy Creek, stopping in the new town of McCarthy, and then going on. Soon, the trains were also hauling miners to McCarthy from the copper mines. Railroad engineers even got involved by coming up with a secret train whistle to alert the town of McCarthy when there was a U.S. Marshall on board. Kennecott Mine Closed Suddenly, in 1938, all the fun and games came to a screeching halt when the Kennecott Mine closed. In no time, McCarthy was a ghost town. You Can Still Visit McCarthy Yes, the town has come back from the ashes. The population now stands at around 107, with only 20 or 30 hearty souls living there year round. BONUS Would you like to know more? Take a look at McCarthy, Alaska’s Once Thriving Town and discover. Connect with Mike and Mary Jane The history of Alaska is amazing and the stories of places like McCarthy are fascinating. Have you ever been to McCarthy? Tell us about it. You can connect with Mike and Mary Jane by replying to this email. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Pictured above is Dick Proenneke working on his cabin From the age of 51, he lived alone for around 31 years, from 1968 to 1999. His home was a log cabin that he built at Twin Lakes in Alaska. Twin Lakes is about 150 to 200 miles southwest of Anchorage. It’s located in the deep wilderness of Lake Clark National Park and Reserve. Who was Dick Proenneke? He was of German descent and was born in Primrose, Iowa, in 1916. Having quit high school, he was a self-educated man. He was a naturalist and conservationist. During his years in the wilderness, he also kept journals, took photographs and filmed the surrounding area and wildlife. Besides his journals, Proenneke had a wind-up 16mm Bolex camera and a tripod. With that setup, he could start filming and then walk into the shot. For that reason, a lot of film was shot all around his cabin and the Twin Lakes area that includes footage of Proenneke. YES, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you to visit the Proenneke cabin… Well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public so feel free to share it. Arriving in Alaska He first came to Alaska in 1950 and went to Shuyak Island, located about 54 air miles north of the city of Kodiak. At some point, a friend and the friend’s wife invited Proenneke to be their guest at their cabin in the Twin Lakes area of Lake Clark National Park and Reserve. Around 1968, the park permitted Proenneke to build his own cabin in the area. A skilled carpenter, Proenneke's cabin is noted for its handmade craftsmanship. He also used his 16mm camera set up to film himself while building his cabin. Proenneke also built most of the furnishings for his cabin. Dick Proenneke and his well-built cabin. What Did He Do in Twin Lakes? He fished and hunted. He also gathered and raised much of his own food. However, sometimes he had supplies flown in. Proenneke had this to say about his life: “I have found that some of the simplest things have given me the most pleasure. They didn't cost me a lot of money either. They just worked on my senses. Did you ever pick very large blueberries after a summer rain, walk through a grove of cottonwoods, open like a park, and see the blue sky beyond the shimmering gold of the leaves? Pull on dry woolen socks after you've peeled off the wet ones? Come in out of the subzero and shiver yourself warm in front of a wood fire? The world is full of such things." A Connection to the Outside World Leon Reid “Babe” Alsworth was a bush pilot and a friend of Proenneke. He would fly in with his seaplane once in a while, land on the lake and check on his friend. Alsworth brought the mail, food, and things that Proenneke had bought through the Sears catalogue. Discover Alaska Discover Alaska through stories, towns, films, ebooks, and old Alaska Highway memories that bring you the spirit of the Great Land. Take a look at These Discover Alaska pages and enjoy. Visits to the Lower 48 After about 16 months of being in the wilderness, Proenneke went home to the Lower 48 for a brief visit and to get more supplies. When he returned to Twin Lakes, he stayed there for 30 more years. During that time, he would travel back to the Lower 48 from time to time to visit family. Proenneke and the Park Service He had a close relationship with the Park Service. Proenneke assisted them by filming sensitive areas and notifying them when poachers were nearby. Leaving Alaska For health reasons, in 1999, at the age of 83, Proenneke left Twin Lakes and Alaska to live with his brother in California. The Legacy of Dick Proenneke His journals and the film he shot were later turned into a documentary titled “Alone in the Wilderness.” And, there was enough film and journaling left over to produce a second documentary. Proenneke bequeathed his cabin to the National Park Service, and it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit Dick Proenneke’s hand-built log cabin inside Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska. In fact, his cabin is a very popular place to visit. BONUS Take a look at this film, featuring Dick Proenneke and his time at Twin Lakes. From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our edition about Carl “Ben” Eielson William had this to say: “Great read. I always wondered how Eielson Air Force Base got its name.” Connect with Mike and Mary Jane There aren’t many people who could, or would live Dick Proenneke’s dream. It’s a good thing we have his film and his journals. And it’s wonderful that we can still visit his cabin. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Oh, those childhood days, when we dream and imagine. Carl “Ben” Eielson was born in the small town of Hatton, North Dakota, where he discovered a love for aviation. And Along Came WWI In 1917, during World War I, Eielson learned to fly in the U.S. Army Air Service. After the war, he was back in his hometown. Then, in the winter of 1919–1920, Eielson helped form the Hatton Aero Club, the first flying club in North Dakota. Let’s Try Law However, his life led him to study law. Eielson attended Georgetown Law School (now Georgetown University) in Washington, D.C. Then, while working part-time as a police officer in the U.S. Capitol, he met Daniel Sutherland, Alaska’s territorial delegate to Congress. Sutherland persuaded Eielson to go to Alaska to teach high school. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will pay for you to fly all over Alaska for an entire year…well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Pictured above is Carl “Ben” Eielson and his Alaska airmail delivery plane. Those Alaska Skies Were Calling In Alaska, it didn’t take long for Eielson to get involved in the early days of aviation. As a pilot for Farthest North Aviation, he did something amazing. It took sled dog teams 30 days to carry mail from Fairbanks to McGrath. But Eielson flew the mail there in under 3 hours. Eielson soon became known as the “Father of Airmail in Alaska.” Besides flying airmail, Eielson was also developing a reputation as the “Father of Aviation” in Alaska. Later, he was asked to form Alaskan Airways. In 1929, U.S. President Herbert Hoover awarded Eielson the Harmon Trophy for outstanding aviator of the year. In Fairbanks, Eielson created the Fairbanks Airplane Corporation. He took passengers on joyrides, flew equipment and doctors to remote camps. He was also the first to fly around the North Pole from Alaska to Spitzbergen, Norway. The Final Flight On November 9, 1929, while on a rescue mission in Siberia, Carl “Ben” Eielson died in a plane crash. He was 32 years old. Mile 26 Satellite Field Gets a New Name In 1948, Mile 26 Satellite Field, located 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks, was renamed. It became known as Eielson Air Force Base in honor of Carl “Ben” Eielson. Another honor was the naming of Mount Eielson, a peak northeast of Denali (McKinley) Those Childhood Dreams As a young boy, Carl “Ben” Eielson could have scarcely imagined just how far his love of aviation would take him. All the way to history-making adventure in Alaska. For more adventure, Discover Alaska and enjoy. From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our Journey Back in Time: How the Alaska Railroad Forged Anchorage’s Beginnings. Jerry has a family connection: “My aunt Peggy and uncle John lived in Seward. John Ostrom worked on the Alaska railroad. My cousins, Donald Ostrom and his little sister, were born there in 1931.” Connect with Mike and Mary Jane Those early Alaska aviators brought Alaskans closer together with often daring flights within the territory. And we remember Carl “Ben” Eielson as the “Father of Aviation” in Alaska. Do you have a comment? Until Next Time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Pictured above is the mouth of Ship Creek (what would become Anchorage, Alaska) circa 1915. In 1914, the United States Needed Coal So the U.S. Congress passed the Alaska Railroad Act to connect the interior coal fields of the territory of Alaska to the Alaska coast. The mouth of Ship Creek was chosen to be the headquarters of the Alaska Railroad because of its strategic, ice-free deep waters and because it was close to the coal deposits in the Matanuska Valley. In early 1915, after the Alaska Engineering Commission (AEC) was established, the U.S. government began advertising in the Pacific Northwest to recruit workers to build the 35 million dollar railroad from Seward to Fairbanks. Heading North Later in 1915, more than 2,000 prospective workers and merchants began leaving on steamships, including the Mariposa from San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, destined for the mouth of Ship Creek in the territory of Alaska. The ocean voyage could take weeks, depending on the steamship and ocean conditions. Nothing but Wilderness As steamships arrived in Cook Inlet, dramatic tides and shallow mud flats made it difficult for passengers to depart. So, passengers and freight had to be loaded from the steamers onto small boats called “lighters” and barges that took them as close to shore as possible. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an all-expense-paid, round-the-world cruise, once a year for life… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Getting to shore was tricky because of the mud flats. Long wooden boards were used as gang planks for unloading freight and for passengers getting off the small boats and barges. Once ashore, workers and merchants were greeted by the natural landscape of wilderness and a handful of early homesteaders. It wasn’t Much, but it Was Home Workers quickly began clearing the dense wilderness and setting up basic canvas tents or makeshift shelters using lumber, scrap wood, and sod. Some scavenged for material to build shanties and cabins with canvas roofs. Even though the muddy area around Ship Creek was a jumbled and unsanitary mess, it was the humble beginning of what would become Anchorage, Alaska. “North Addition” Because the Alaska Engineering Commission needed the flatland around the creek to build permanent railroad yards and facilities, the settlement was relocated to the higher bluffs to the north, overlooking Ship Creek. That area became known as the North Addition. Later, the Federal government built a row of cottages on the top of the North Addition bluff for its permanent employees. Because of that, the area became known as Government Hill, which later on became the first neighborhood in Anchorage. BONUS Take a look at the Government Hill Story and discover Hey, We’re a Town, and We Need a Name As the population grew, the new town required a name. Those living in the tents had already begun calling it by names like “Ship Creek”. But the town required an official name, so they had everyone vote for their favorite. Possible names included: * Alaska City * Gateway * Ship Creek * Lane (after the U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 1913 to 1920, Franklin K. Lane) * Matanuska * Winalaska * Homestead * Terminal * Gateway ***The winner was Alaska City, with Lane a close second. Did You Know? Shortly after the vote, the United States Post Office had another idea. They decided that because of all the barges and boats “anchored” in Cook Inlet, the name for the new town would be “Anchorage.” From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our “Wheels of Fortune: The Gold Rush Bicycle Story” edition. Edie was surprised: “I really enjoyed this surprising story. I'd never heard anything about using bicycles to get to the gold fields. Thanks. Anchorage Memories.com Take a look at this treasure chest of Anchorage Memories and enjoy. Connect with Mike and Mary Jane The people who came to the shores of Cook Inlet and the mouth of Ship Creek were a hearty group… and we complain when it takes “too long” for our fast food order. Do you have a comment? Until next time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Notice the man with the bicycle in the red circle. Let’s use a bicycle to get to the Klondike gold fields. In 1896, the whole world was crazy for bicycles, and from 1896 to 1899, the Klondike gold rush was in full swing. Some stampedes looked to bicycles, or a “wheel” as bicycles were also called, to carry the supplies needed to enter Canada and head for the gold fields. Peddling Through Peril: The Two Hundred Pound Challenge In the late 1800s, bicycles were not light, and some tires were made of solid rubber. However, stampeders with bikes were an inventive lot. And by adding frames to their bikes, they could carry loads as heavy as two hundred pounds. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an all-expense-paid, bicycle trip around the world. Of course, someone else will peddle the bike, while you sit back and enjoy… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Biking Over Those Wilderness Trails No, there were no bike paths on the trails, but two early cyclists from the Brooklyn, New York Bicycle Club rode their wheels from Dawson City in the late 1800s and discussed creating a bike path to the Klondike. That idea never became a reality. In the meantime, those using bikes on the trail rode along in the tracks left by dog and horse-drawn sleds. Plus, bicycles were faster on the trail, and you didn’t have to feed a bicycle. A Tale of Two Passes No bicycle could navigate the steep Chilkoot Trail to get to the Klondike. But it was somewhat possible on the White Pass, and a few were reported to have completed that trip. Mr. W.J. Terry was the first known bicyclist to make it from Skagway to Dawson in March 1899. According to Terry, it took him 8 days. During Terry’s adventure, he patched a flat tire by pouring water into the hole. Then, when it froze, he was able to ride again. Can you imagine that? Gold Rush Rides: The Hazards of Biking to the Gold Fields Riding a bicycle during the gold rush in Alaska came with challenges, including flat tires, frozen bearings, and exhaustion. Edward Jesson wrote about bicycling on a trail at a temperature of 48 degrees below zero. “The rubber tires on my wheel were frozen hard, as stiff as gas pipe. The oil in the bearing was frozen, and I could scarcely ride it. My nose was freezing, and I had to hold the handlebars with both hands, not being able to ride yet with one hand and rub my nose with the other.” Peddle to the Gold Fields During the Alaska Gold Rush, Seattle newspapers reported an increase in bicycle sales as stampeders headed to Dawson. In 1900, the Argus reported as follows: “Local dealers report that the success of cyclists on the trail (in the Alaska Gold Rush) has caused this branch of their trade to change from a mere experiment to a steady growing demand. Scarcely a steamship sails for the north that does not carry bicycles.” Too Many Wheels By around 1903, Dawson had so many bicycles around town that they were considered a nuisance. Gold Fever, Skagway, and Soapy Smith by Michael R. Dougherty of Alaska Stories and Anchorage Memories. Adventure waits: A thrilling tale set in the heart of the Alaska Gold Rush. Gold Fever, Skagway, and Soapy Smith is an adventure-filled short story that takes you to the gold strike, the rough town of Skagway, Alaska, and face-to-face with the notorious Soapy Smith. Take a look at Gold Fever, Skagway, and Soapy Smith and get ready for an Alaska adventure. Connect with Mike and Mary Jane Can you imagine how hard it must have been for the stampeders who used bicycles to get to and from the gold fields? Do you have a comment about this edition, Wheels of Fortune: The Gold Rush Bicycle Story? You can also get in touch by replying to this email. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Photo by the MarPockStudios First named Denali by the Den’ina people of Alaska, the mountain is now officially known as Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, which stands 20,310 feet tall. Each year, around 1,000 -1,200 people attempt to climb the mountain. Only about half of them make it. And all of them use modern-day survival gear, climbing equipment, and cozy tents. Our Story Begins in the 1800s Walter Harper was born in 1892, the son of a Koyukon Athabascan mother. The family’s home village was Tanana, located where the Tanana and Yukon Rivers meet, about 130 miles west of Fairbanks in Alaska’s interior. At the age of 16, Harper attended St. Mark’s Mission School in Nenana, Alaska, where he met a man named Hudson Stuck, the Archdeacon of the Yukon. Hudson was impressed with Walter and hired him as his interpreter, guide, and musher for his dog team. The Expedition: Let’s Climb Mt. McKinley When Harper was 19 or 20, Stuck invited him to join the 1913 Karsten-Stuck Expedition to climb to the summit of Mt. McKinley. In the photo above, Walter Harper is seen on the far right. Other members of the group included Harry Peter Karstens, Robert Tatum, and two teens, Johnny Fredson and Esaias George, who were hired to work the base camp. The expedition left from Nenana on March 17, 1913. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will name a climbing trail after you on a mountain somewhere in Alaska. Even if you have never climbed so much as a ladder in your entire life… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Climbing 20,310 Feet: It wasn’t a Sunday Picnic Steep walls and deep crevasses had to be conquered at Muldrow Glacier. At one point, there was a fire in their tent. And it took three weeks to make it through what is now known as Karsten’s Ridge. At the time of their climb, the ridge trail was blocked by large rocks and huge chunks of ice left by an earthquake the year before. The Final Camp: 18,000 feet, the Highest Camp Ever in North America On June 6, the expedition set up its final camp before ascending to the top of the mountain. The very next morning, they left camp at 4:00 am. “Looking Out of a Window of Heaven” Then at 1:30 pm on June 6, 1913, Walter Harper was the first man to set foot on the 20, 310 foot summit of the tallest mountain in North America. When expedition member Robert Tatum joined him, Tatum stood there in awe, he said, it was like “Looking out of a window of Heaven.” On the summit, Tatum planted a flag he had made out of handkerchiefs. The team also planted a 6-foot cross. Going Up and Going Back Down It took 50 days to climb to the summit. But it only took 2 days to get back down to the base camp. On June 20, the expedition crew returned to Nenana, 3 months and 4 days after leaving to climb the McKinley summit. In 1913, following their successful ascent, Stuck named Harper Glacier in Walter Harper’s honor. Harper Glacier can be found on the upper slopes of Mt. McKinley about 3 miles northeast of the main summit. And What About Walter Harper? In 1918, at the age of 25, Harper married Frances Wells. Shortly after that, the couple boarded the SS Princess Sophia in Skagway on their honeymoon, headed for Seattle. During the voyage, the SS Princess Sophia hit a reef and everyone on board was lost at sea. The incident is often referred to as “the unknown Titanic of the West Coast.” Remembering Walter Harper June 7 is now designated by the U.S. Congress as Walter Harper Day in Alaska. And on July 19, 2022, a life-size bronze statue of Walter Harper was unveiled in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. How Many Today? In 1932, 19 years after Walter Harper set foot on the summit of Mt McKinley, the Lindley-Liek Party successfully reached the top of the mountain. And every year, more brave the challenges faced by Harper to stand at the top. As of 2026, around 50,000 to 51,000 have attempted the climb. Around half of those, or over 26,000, have successfully reached the highest peak. BONUS Do you want to know more about Walter Harper? Take a look at Walter Harper, His Life and Heritage, and discover. Connect with Mike and Mary Jane Can you imagine how hard the climb must have been for Walter Harper and the others? What came to your mind when you read this story? You can also get in touch by replying to this email. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories.com Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Pictured above is Mary “Marvel” Crosson. Like many things in Alaska, it takes a certain kind of person to overcome the wilderness, harsh environment, and rugged roads (when you can find them), which make the Great Land the last frontier. And many, if not most, of the pioneers who paved the way were men. But in this edition of Alaska Stories, we’re looking at two women who took on the Great Land… and won. Her Love of Flying Mary “Marvel” Crosson was born in 1904. Then, when she was either 9 or 13 years old, Marvel and her younger brother Joe saw an airplane—and their world was never the same. In 1925, Marvel and Joe purchased and rebuilt a surplus Curtiss N-9 seaplane. Joe also taught Marvel how to fly, and she soloed that same year. Then, in 1926, Joe was contacted by a friend about a job opening in Alaska for a commercial pilot. Joe headed north while Marvel stayed behind, planning to join her brother later. In Alaska, Joe became friends with early Alaska bush pilots like Ben Eielson, Noel Wien, Russ Merrill, and others. Alaska, Here We Come Joe came back from Alaska to visit Marvel, and in 1927, the two boarded a steamer headed for Alaska. In the Last Frontier, Marvel began flying with Joe and had this to say about the Alaska environment. “It takes hours to get your planes warmed up, and then the daylight is all gone nearly.” “Even the hangers and sheds are cold (and) you have to work in mittens, or your hands would freeze fast to the metal parts.” On March 17, 1928, Marvel earned her limited commercial certificate from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Then, pilot Ben Eielson took her on a check ride. Following that, Marvel could be hired as a pilot to carry freight and mail. And that gave her the distinction of being Alaska’s first licensed female pilot in the Territory of Alaska. She was officially an Alaska bush pilot. It should be noted here that at the time of her Alaska achievement, there were fewer than 70 women in all of the United States who had a pilot’s license. One of Marvel’s assignments was to scatter supplies over rugged Alaska terrain. And once the newspapers in the lower 48 got word of it, they quickly gave her the nickname, “Alaska’s Aviation Grocery Girl.” Along the way, Marvel was also called “Bird Girl” and “Pollyanna of the North”, among others. As a woman in the male-dominated field of the Alaska bush pilot, Marvel had to take a lot of guff from fellow pilots and mechanics. But through it all, she remained a trailblazer. In 1929, Marvel also achieved the women’s altitude flying record at 23,996 feet. Her time in Alaska was short. She left the Great Land and began flying in the lower 48. Alaska Remembers In 2009, Mary “Marvel” Crosson was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will take you “flightseeing” around Alaska every year… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Ellen Evak Paneok Pictured above is Ellen Paneok. A bush pilot, author, and artist, Ellen Paneok became the first Alaskan woman of Indigenous ancestry to get a pilot’s license. Ellen’s mother, Bernice Evak Burgandine, was from Kotzebue, Alaska. Ellen was given the nickname of “Paneok” by her mother. The name is from an Inupiaq word that translates into “fish’s tail.” Ellen went on to legally change her name to Paneok. Growing up in Anchorage, she was inspired by a magazine article to pursue a career in aviation as a pilot. Beginning in 1976, with money from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Ellen was able to start her flying lessons, which had become an obsession. Because of her strong desire to fly, Ellen would often skip school to take her flying lessons at Merrill Field in Anchorage. And since she still didn’t know how to drive, she took a bus to the airfield. When her money began to run out, Paneok began creating artwork to sell to tourists. But it all paid off. In 1979, at the age of 20, Ellen Paneok became the first female licensed pilot of indigenous Alaskan ancestry. High blood pressure kept her from pursuing a career in aerobatics, so Ellen became a bush pilot. As a bush pilot, she was nicknamed “Owl Eyes” because she was able to fly in almost any type of Alaska weather. In 2012, Ellen Paneok was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame. And here’s a quote from Ellen: “When you decide to do something, don’t let anyone or anything discourage you, it’s up to you.” BONUS Learn more Take a look at Ellen Paneok and discover. From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our First Automobile Manufactured in Alaska edition From Aletha: “I think this is one of the best stories I have read. You both always have great input to Alaska's history. Thank you” And Jerry makes this point: “Sometimes these geniuses will outperform the brainiacs. I love this story. I have known some who were close to passing over to crazy. Love this story.” Joe has a question: “Wasn't this car on display at the University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks before it became the Museum of the North?” Discover Alaska photo by John DeLeon Enjoy reading about Alaska towns, movies made by Alaskans, and Old Alaska Highway memories. Take a look at Discover Alaska and have an adventure in the Great Land. Send Us a Comment Did you enjoy this story about two extraordinary women? Send us your comment. You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Leave Us a Message right here. Until Next Time Mike & Mary Jane Alaska Stories.com Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Pictured above is Bobby Sheldon in Skagway, Alaska. At the age of 22, Bobby Sheldon decided to build an automobile… to impress a girl. It was like this. In 1905, a girl that Bobby liked was being escorted around Skagway in a fancy horse and buggy by the son of a local doctor. Bobby thought that if he had an automobile, he would win the girl over. But Bobby had only seen automobiles in newspapers and magazines. His solution was to build an automobile from salvaged parts. He got a two-cycle marine engine from a sunken boat, buggy wheels from freight carts, and his seats had been two barstools. The 1905 Sheldon Runabout When it was completed in 1905, Sheldon’s creation was the first ever automobile built in Alaska. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will buy you the car of your dreams… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Bobby Sheldon, Alaska Pioneer Pictured above is one of Sheldon’s Ford Model T cars, crossing the Tanana River. Sheldon went on to become the first person to cross the Valdez Trail in a gas-powered automobile. The automobile he used was a Ford Model T, not his Sheldon Runabout. At that time, the Valdez Trail was nothing more than a 360-mile trail for dog teams linking Valdez to Fairbanks. Over the trail, Sheldon’s trip took 4 days at an average speed of 9 miles per hour. At one point, Bobby had a fleet of 15 Model Ts that he used to transport people from Fairbanks to Valdez over the Valdez Trail. Bobby Sheldon’s Life Sheldon went on to become a Road Commissioner and the first person to bus visitors into Denali National Park. Along the way, Sheldon ran a post office for a while and served in the Alaska State Legislature. What About the Girl? Sheldon did take the girl on, as he put it, “many an exciting spin at 15 miles per hour.” In a 1931 interview, a reporter asked Sheldon if he had married the girl he hoped to impress with his 1905 Sheldon Runabout. Bobby replied, “No, but three other fellows have since then.” Apparently, the girl’s mother had advised her daughter to “Stay away from Bobby. He’s a genius, but they’re only one step away from insanity.” You Can See the 1905 Sheldon Runabout You can still see The Sheldon Runabout on display at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska. BONUS Click on the link below to see a video of Sheldon’s automobile today. Connect with Mike and Mary Jane Bobby Sheldon was an amazing Alaska Pioneer. Do you have a comment about this fun story? You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Jane Alaska Stories.com Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

NPS photo Alaskan natives look to animals for inspiration. For them, an animal has their own spiritual story. Totem poles are often used to represent an animal. What Does the Dictionary Say? The word totem is a noun. A totem is an emblem or a badge that features an animal or a plant. Each totem represents a family, clan, or tribe. Golden Age of Totem Carving 1830 to 1880 is considered the golden age for totem carving. Most Alaska totems were created using Western Red Cedar and, on occasion, Yellow Cedar. The reason has to do with both trees being decay-resistant. Haida and Tlingit artists in southeast Alaska carved totems with traditional tools made of stone, bone, or beaver teeth. Later, because of trading, metal tools were introduced, and carvings became more intricate. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will carve a totem that represents you… Well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Alaska Governor John Brady When Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million dollars, many considered the purchase to be a mistake. Back then, “Seward’s Icebox” and “Seward’s Folly” were two of the names given to the purchase. So Governor Brady decided to start showcasing Alaska. Around 1903, Brady had 15 original totem poles collected from Haida and Tlingit villages on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska. Those poles were then displayed at a 1904 Exhibition in St. Louis and a 1905 Exhibition in Portland. The Totems in Sitka In 1906, the totems returned to Alaska where they found a home in Sitka. There, the totems were repaired and refurbished, then put on display in what is now the Sitka National Historical Park and the Totem Trail. The Sitka National Historical Park is located in a rainforest of giant spruce trees. Established in 1890, the park covers 113 acres and is the oldest federally designated park in Alaska. BONUS There is much more to this story. Take a look at the Sitka National Historical Park and discover. You can also visit this Wikipedia look at the Sitka National Historical Park to learn more. From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our look at Alaska Firsts The Klawak Cannery was the first salmon cannery in Alaska. Located on Prince of Wales Island. Jerry was there: “Keep up the good work. I spent a few years up there. 1953 was the start when, after the last salmon was canned, they zipped her up until the first salmon arrived in the spring. Of course, the winter fishery of shrimp was going strong in the Petersburg and Wrangell areas. All local employees. I moved my family to Wrangell, where I installed the first automated shrimp peeler in Alaska in 1956. We canned the shrimp. The other shrimp plants were hand peelers, and the market was all fresh. I could go on and on about the fishing industry. All of it.” Connect with Mike and Mary Our look at Alaska totem poles and the Totem Trail in the Sitka National Historical Park has been fascinating. Do you have a comment? You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us with comments, questions, or a hello. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories.com Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

The view from Fort Tongass The first military post in Alaska Located on Tongass Island near the southern tip of the Alaska panhandle, Fort Tongass was established in 1868, following the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Shortly after Fort Tongass was up and running, other military posts were set up. Those included Fort Wrangell, a post on St. Paul Island, Kodiak Island, and the Kenai Peninsula. The First U.S. Army Soldiers in Alaska In 1867, the 9th Infantry Regiment was stationed in Sitka following that year’s transfer of Alaska from Russia. First Salmon Cannery in Alaska In 1878, the North Pacific Trading and Packing Company began operation at Klawock on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. The cannery was in operation until 1929. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will get you a year’s worth of all expenses paid, round-trip flights for two around Alaska… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. The First Airplane Flight in Alaska Pictured above are James and Lilly Martin. The first airplane flight in Alaska took place in Fairbanks on July 4, 1913. Captain James V. Martin and his wife, Lilly, flew over Exposition Park. The two reached an altitude of 200 feet, reaching a speed of 45 miles per hour. An earlier attempt in 1913 took place in Nome, Alaska. But that was a failure because the pilot, who was a resident of Nome, had built the aircraft from a kit. Unfortunately, the engine lacked enough power to get the plane off the ground. The First Anchorage Flight In April of 1922, pilot Roy Troxell flew a Boeing Seaplane over Cook Inlet before crashing into the mudflats shortly after takeoff. The pilot was unharmed, but the aircraft was destroyed. The First Airmail Delivery in Alaska In 1924, a flight piloted by Carl “Ben” Eilson delivered the first airplane-delivered mail in Alaska. Also in 1924, Noel Wien piloted the first non-stop flight between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska Firsts Yes, Alaska is a big land, the last frontier, and a place filled with firsts. The ones included here are just a few. Connect with Mike and Mary It doesn’t matter how you look at it. Alaska is a fascinating place, filled with a rich history, adventurous pioneers, and many firsts. Do you have a comment? You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

1924 photo above by Frank E. Kleinschmidt I remember the first time I was asked if our family lived in an igloo. We were visiting relatives in Texas. I was about 15 years old, and when a family friend found out that I was from Alaska, they asked if we lived in an igloo. At first, I thought they were kidding me. But they were serious. All About the Igloo The word igloo comes from the Inuit word “iglv”, meaning house. In Alaska, igloos were first used around 500AD. While some think of igloos as permanent housing for Alaska’s native population, igloos were used as temporary housing for winter survival. The Craft of Building an Igloo An Alaska native skilled in the art of creating igloos can construct one in about 1 to 2 hours. Most igloos are created as dome-shaped structures. The art of crafting a dome-shaped igloo out of compacted snow takes a lot of knowledge. It all starts with a snow drift of fine-grained, compacted snow. The builders cut the drift into blocks, using metal knives. Originally, a bone knife was used as the cutting tool. The blocks are stacked together in a way that creates a dome-shaped structure. A small entrance to the igloo could be slanted downward and covered inside the entrance with seal skin to prevent cold wind from blowing into the structure. Swankier igloos might even include a block of ice that acted like a window. The interior of an igloo. Yes, You Can Share this Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will build you a really nifty, four-story igloo complete with its own ice skating rink and walk-in freezer… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. A Refuge from the Cold While it was bitter cold outside, say 49 degrees below zero or more, the inside temperature of an igloo was remarkably warm. Temperatures inside can range from 19 degrees to as warm as 61 degrees as a result of body heat alone. Behold the Igloo A completed igloo in Point Barrow, Alaska. Mary’s Igloo For the record, Mary of Alaska Stories is 1/4 Alaskan Indian, but she has never been inside an igloo. This story of Mary’s Igloo is about a very tiny village near Nome, Alaska. In the early 1900s, a small settlement was given the name, Mary’s Igloo, after an Inupiag woman who liked to welcome trappers, miners, and others into her home for a cup of coffee. Mary’s Igloo became a transfer point for supplies headed for the gold fields. By 1910, this tiny community was home to around 141 people. There was a post office, a store, and schools. However, by 1952, all but a few people who lived in Mary’s Igloo had moved to Nome or Teller, Alaska. Today, Mary’s Igloo is no more. Have You Ever Been Inside an Igloo or Built Your Own? BONUS Would you like to know more about igloos? Take a look at Igloos and discover. Connect with Mike and Mary So now that you know all about igloos, you can head outside in the winter and build your own. You’ll be the talk of the neighborhood. Do you have a comment? You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

Notice the horse-drawn sleds going over Thompson Pass in the photo above. Year unknown. Can you even imagine what 974 inches of snow (which is over 81 feet) in one year would look like? Thompson Pass is the snowiest weather station in Alaska. In 1952–1953, the snowfall that year was measured at 974 inches. The most snow ever recorded in one location in Alaska. Note: But wait, believe it or not, 974 inches of snow in one season at one location is not the most for the entire United States. Mount Baker Ski Resort in Whatcom County in Washington state holds that record with 1,140 inches of snow (around 95 feet), recorded in 1998-1999. Mount Baker is located about 52 miles east of Bellingham, Washington, in the Cascade mountains near the Canadian border. The Challenge Ok, Alaska, Washington state’s 1,140 inches is only 166 inches or 13.8 feet more than Alaska’s 974 inches. So, come on, Thompson Pass weather, you can come up with that, plus a few inches more for a new United States record. Now back to Thompson Pass You’ll find Thompson Pass northeast of Valdez, Alaska, 2,678 feet high in the Chugach mountains. The pass also holds the Alaskan record for the most snow in a single day at 62 inches, which is over 5 feet. That record was set on December 29, 1955. Talk about a white Christmas. They Were First The Alaska native Ahtna people were there first. They had trails over the region for centuries. Enter U.S. Army Captain William Abercrombie Then, in 1898, U.S. Army Captain William Abercrombie led an expedition seeking "an all-American route from coastal Alaska to the Klondike during the gold rush.” Abercrombie gave it the name “Thompson Pass” in honor of Frank Thomson, whose last name was spelled without the letter “P”. However, Abercrombie wrote the name as Thompson instead of Thomson on his sketched map of the area. Note: Frank Thomson was a prominent Pennsylvania financier, railroad executive, and philanthropist. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will discover a new pass and name it after you… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. The Klondike Gold Rush Thompson Pass was used by the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders. However, after it had been in use for a while, it became known as a treacherous route. Later, the trail became the Valdez-Eagle Trail. Because of the Klondike Gold Rush, Valdez became a port for 1800s miners, who used Thompson Pass to get to the gold fields. Keystone Canyon In 1898, the U.S. Army created a trail through a section of Thompson Pass called Keystone Canyon. Note: The canyon location also helped to create another route to Alaska’s interior. That route would later become the Richardson Highway, the first long-distance road into Alaska’s interior. They Had a shoot-out In the 1900s, railroad companies wanted to control the area. But conflicts caused a tense atmosphere. In 1907, an actual shoot-out between rival railroad companies ended hope that Valdez would become a railroad town. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Photo by Luca Galuzzi The early 1970s saw thousands of workers putting together the Alaska pipeline. Thompson Pass provided the overland transportation link to Valdez, which is where the pipeline ends. Thompson Pass Today, Thompson Pass is a modern, paved highway connecting Valdez to interior Alaska. However, it’s still a challenging, snowy drive. Great Memories Fill your heart and feed your soul with the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club. Take a look at The Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club and enjoy. Connect with Mike and Mary But I say this… an Alaska winter can come up with 1,140 inches of snow in one year up in Thompson Pass, plus a measly 14 inches more, so we can take that record away from the state of Washington. What do you think? Have you ever been to Thompson Pass? We want to hear about it. You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

In 1926, Alaska Territorial Governor George Parks called for the design of an Alaska flag. The American Legion put together a contest for Alaska youth in the 7th through 12th grades. A 14-year-old named John Ben “Benny” Benson Jr. entered the contest. In the picture above is Benny Benson Benny was born in Chignik, a fishing village on the Alaska Peninsula. When he was only 3 years old, his mother died of pneumonia. Shortly after that, the family’s home was destroyed by a fire. Benny’s father was unable to care for his children, so Benny was sent to the Jesse Lee Home orphanage in Unalaska. In 1925, the Jesse Lee Home was relocated to Seward, Alaska, located on the Kenai Peninsula. Benny Entered the Alaska Flag Design Contest In 1927, Benny sat down at his school desk and drew his idea for the Alaska flag. His design included the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star on a blue background. Benny wrote the following to accompany his design: “The blue field is for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaska flower. The North Star is for the future of the state of Alaska, the most northerly in the union. The Dipper is the Great Bear - symbolizing strength.” Judging There were over 700 entries, with 142 designs selected by local competitions to be sent to Juneau for final judging by a 7-member panel. All 7 judges chose Benny Benson’s Alaska flag design as the winner. “I Darned Near Fell Out of my Chair” Benny recalled how he first learned that he had won the contest: “One day our teacher’s husband came in the room and he brought a telegram, she just looked at it and her mouth dropped open. She was speechless… And i darned near fell out of my seat I guess.” What Benny Had Won Benny won a gold watch with his design on the back. In 1963, his watch was donated to the Alaska State Museum in Juneau. He was also flown to Washington, D.C., to present the new Alaska flag to President Calvin Coolidge. In addition, Benny was awarded $1,000, which he later used to attend a Diesel engine repair school. Benny’s original flag, made of blue silk, was first flown on July 9, 1927, in Seward, Alaska. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will name an Alaska Mountain after you… Well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Note: The Alaska flag is the only one of the 50 state flags designed by a Native American. The Jesse Lee Home in Seward is now known as the “Birthplace of Alaska’s Flag.” Benny passed away at the age of 58. You can visit the Benny Benson Memorial at mile 1.4 on the Seward Highway. Benny is Remembered with Honors In 2025, Daren Herman, the grandson of Benny Benson, accepted an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Alaska Pacific University, in memory of his grandfather’s achievment. BONUS A Poem and a Song Marie Drake was so taken by Benny’s flag design and the words he wrote that she composed the following poem: “Eight stars of gold on a field of blue,Alaska's flag, may it mean to you,The blue of the sea, the evening sky,The mountain lakes and the flowers nearby,The gold of the early sourdough's dreams,The precious gold of the hills and streams,The brilliant stars in the northern sky,The "Bear," the "Dipper," and shining high,The great North Star with its steady light,O'er land and sea a beacon bright,Alaska's flag to Alaskans dear,The simple flag of a last frontier.” In 1935, her poem was published in the October issue of the Department of Education’s School Bulletin to help teach children about the territory’s flag. Three years later, in 1938, Elinor Dusenbury composed the music that accompanies the poem by Marie Drake. In the photo, Elinor Dusenbury is on the left, with Marie Drake on the right. The two ladies met for the first time in the summer of 1938 in the Baranof Hotel in Juneau. During their meeting, Dusenbury played her composition for Drake. The Alaska Flag Song In 1955, the Territorial Legislature officially adopted the poem and musical composition written by Marie Drake and Elinor Dusenbury. It became the Official Alaska State song in 1959 when Alaska became the 49th State. Click below to hear the song and see the lyrics: Connect with Mike and Mary Mary, just like you, every time I hear the Alaska Flag song, it brings tears of joy to my heart and my eyes. What a great Alaska Story. What are your memories of the Alaska Flag and the song? You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us right now. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

In the photo above is Captain William Moore, 1825–1909 Hearty dreamers and adventurers navigated the waterways, discovered gold, and built towns in Alaska. Captain William Moore was just such a man. Moore was a steamship captain, businessman, miner, and explorer. He was known to his friends as “Buddy” and “The Flying Dutchman.” He first came to what would become Skagway, Alaska, in the spring of 1887 as part of a Canadian survey expedition. Note: The original Alaska Tlingit people called the area Shgagwei, meaning “Home of the North wind”, or “Windy place.” The name Skagway is the English adaptation of that word. There Was Going to be a Gold Rush Because of spending time exploring with George Carmack, who we will take a look at in a moment, Moore had become convinced that a major gold strike would take place in the Canadian Klondike. After first seeing the Skagway area, Moore returned in October 1887 to homestead. But he had much bigger plans. He was going to establish a town and a wharf to accommodate steamships carrying miners and supplies. All of this so that he could cash in on the gold rush. Note: We mentioned George Carmack earlier. Carmack went on to discover gold along a tributary of the Yukon River. The creek was called Rabbit Creek, but after Carmack’s gold strike, it was renamed Bonanza Creek. So Captain Moore was right. Yes, You Can Share This Edition And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an all-expense-paid, luxury 80-day adventure around the world in a hot air balloon… well, it could happen. Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Pictured above is Captain William Moore’s original cabin, now the oldest building in Skagway. Now, Moore set himself up to profit from the gold stampede that began in 1897. Welcome to Mooresville The photo above shows Moore’s Wharf on the right side. Those arriving in the area found themselves at Moore’s wharf and in the town of Mooresville. His settlement became a boom town overnight, and the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. Moore was on a path to become very wealthy. His Son, Ben Moore When Captain Moore returned to the area to set up his town, he brought his adult son Ben with him. Ben Moore is on the right in the picture above. The moose was named Carnation. Somehow, Ben got hold of a very young Moose. He named the moose Carnation and kept it in his yard. He also hooked the moose up so that it could pull a small two-wheel cart. Ben even showed off Carnation and the cart in a few parades. Not So Fast Moore The gold stampeders pushed Moore aside and took over the town. And they decided to rename the town Skaguay. Notice the spelling. Later, the spelling of the name was changed to the current, Skagway. While taking over, the stampeders literally pushed Moore aside. A surveyor named Frank Reid plotted a new town layout. As a result, Captain Moore’s cabin had to be moved to a different location in the new town. Note: On July 8, 1898, Frank Reid, who had laid out the new town, would become famous for killing a con man known as Soapy Smith in a gunfight on Juneau Wharf in Skagway. I’m Outa Here, Or Not Captain Moore ended up leaving Skagway for a time. But not for long. Pictured above is the new home Captain Moore built next to his original cabin. When Moore returned to Skagway, he built a new house next to his original cabin. His new home included a second-story room that was set up like a pilot house on a steamship. That way, he could look out the window and watch the ships in the bay. Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush Captain William Moore left Skagway for good in 1907. He moved to Victoria, British Columbia, where he spent the remainder of his days. Yes, Moore had realized his dream of establishing a town as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. But his dream didn’t turn out as he had envisioned. Instead, he had lost fortunes along the way. BONUS Would you like to know more? Take a look at William Moore, Steamship Captain, and discover. From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our Anchorage Seward Highway Memories. Peter (Jerry Rose) recalls his memories: “I was three years old (and living in Seward) when the highway opened. My dad was an active member of the Seward Chamber of Commerce at the time, so I’m guessing he participated in the ceremonies. It was a big deal in those days to be able to make the trip from Seward to Anchorage and return. I recall that as work continued on paving roads into the Kenai Peninsula (where we had a cabin on Kenai Lake), that we often ended up having to follow a pilot car for a mile or two. I thought that was so cool! At night, road crews would leave smudge pots burning to mark the sides of the roads under construction. In current videos I’ve watched, it’s amazing how the main highway has been widened and transformed to make it safer and more comfortable a drive. We always stopped at Moose Pass Inn for lunch or just to take a break from the drive. A mere 127 miles, but it passes through some of the most gorgeous countryside. I must have been about 7 at the time, but I vividly remember watching a Golden Eagle swoop down and grab a salmon from the nearby river! The last time I made the trip on the highway was 1984.” Connect with Mike and Mary The story of Captain William Moore is a great example of the many adventurous pioneers who came to Alaska and paved the way for many others. Do you have a comment? You can also reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us right now. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories.com Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe

In 1964, Alaska was violently shaken by a 9.2 earthquake that lasted for 5 minutes. The island of Kodiak, Alaska, is located in the Gulf of Alaska, about 250 air miles from Anchorage. The second-largest island in the United States, Kodiak, is only smaller than Hawaii. During the 1964 earthquake, the downtown area northeast of the island sank almost 6 feet. The commercial fishing harbor was destroyed. More than 125 structures, including canneries and warehouses, were devastated. Shortly after the quake, and because of the potential for a tsunami, everyone in the low-lying areas of Kodiak was told to quickly head for higher ground. At least 10 waves struck Kodiak about 30 to 90 minutes apart. The tsunami waves continued for 11 hours. The First Tsunami Wave Around 40 minutes after the quake had stopped, except for violent aftershocks, the first tsunami wave hit Kodiak. It tore apart the waterfront and the downtown area. Fishing boats were left piled up on what remained of the breakwater. The Second Wave One hour later, a larger and stronger wave hit Kodiak. The devastation continued. The Largest Wave At around 10 pm, a 30-foot-tall wall of water struck the area. It sent huge boats crashing into downtown shops. It destroyed the docks, canneries, and waterfront warehouses. By morning, the boat harbor was gone. Yes, You Can Share This Edition Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories! This post is public, so feel free to share it. BONUS What was it like when the tsunami hit Kodiak? Author Jerry Tilly was working aboard a boat in Kodiak and wrote a fascinating story about what he experienced on that day. Here is part of his story: “We were near the nonexistent entrance of the boat harbor trying to lasso another boat when the northeastern wave hit us and drove us sideways into the southwestern wave, and the combination of the two forces generated a giant whirlpool. We were now going backwards with the main engine in full forward position in this swirling vortex with about a ten-degree list. The skipper told me to go down and drive that wedge back into the throttle, which I did in record time. The skipper had the wheel hard over to no avail. There was a red house on the hill just north of the city dock that had been washed from its foundation and was floating along with all the other flotsam; only this house had somehow managed to enter the swirling vortex inside the Fortress. It started to break up and disappeared right before our eyes. We could look right down into this black hole.” You can read the entire 1964 Alaska Earthquake Tsunami story right here. Don Suryan and the Fishing Boat, “Shafto” by Cindy Suryan, former Anchorage, Alaska TV news anchor and talk show host Good Friday, March 27, 1964, wasn’t a day that was talked about much in our household. My father, Don Suryan, found it difficult to share what it was like to survive a tsunami. He was part of a family with a long history of fishing and processing the Alaskan waters. He would spend months in Kodiak, AK while the rest of the family was in Anacortes, WA. That all changed after the events of that Good Friday. My dad and his crew of the “Shafto,” were settled in a cove, working on their gear. As Dad entered the captain’s quarter’s he heard a voice tell him to get to town. As strange as it may sound, he felt he needed to heed that warning. He told his brother, Bill Suryan, and the rest of the crew, to get ready to go. The crew wasn’t sure why, but they followed the captain’s orders. When they arrived back to the Kodiak Harbor, the Great Alaska Quake happened. Dad knew what was coming next so they headed back out to deeper water to try to save their vessel and their livelihood. From what I understand, they were followed by other boats heading out of the channel and witnessed those who couldn’t make it because the water had receded. One of those was a very large ship and unfortunately, it couldn’t help but come down on top of a smaller boat. Crushing it. The Shafto did make it to the deeper water, but what those on board witnessed would be burned in their memories. Details are sketchy because dad found it very hard to talk about. As they rode it out, I remember dad saying that there was debris from the town and bottles of liquor (from the damaged liquor stores in Kodiak) floating all around them. They knew the news wouldn’t be good, but they managed to survive it all. I found an old Kodiak City Hall Bulletin from April 10, 1964. It stated that dad and his crew of the Shafto along with the Wren W and the Cindy W were among the first to get back to sea and start fishing for Dungeness Crab. The boats and the processors got the fishing industry back in business in just weeks. An airplane pilot friend of dad’s later told him that he flew over the cove the Shafto had been anchored in before the tsunami. He told him that their boat would have been kindling had they stayed. Chilling to think about. Dad moved us all up to Kodiak after this. He wanted his family with him. As a young girl, I remember arriving to a downtown area that was destroyed. Muddy streets, boardwalks for sidewalks and a fishing boat lying on its side in the school playground. We were all together though and that’s all that mattered. Our thanks to Jerry Tilley and Cindy Suryan for sharing these fascinating stories. From Our North Stars (that’s you) From our Independence Mine Story edition Eric shared this: “My Dad work at Independence Mine in 1941. He was a mining engineering student at the University of Alaska. He is in the picture of the miners standing in the mouth of the mine on display at the park headquarters. (The only one with glasses.)” Connect with Mike and Mary As survivors of the great Alaska Earthquake of 1964, our memories fade with each passing year. But sharing personal stories like what happened in Kodiak, during the quake and the devastating 11-hour onslaught of the tsunami that followed, is important for us and for generations to follow. Do you have a comment? You can also reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Alaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories Video Documentary Series at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe