WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 1

Wrangell St. Elias News

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” Volume Eighteen Issue Four July & August 2009 $2.50

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1950 Survey photo journal

Right: Ginny Creek Section house. Photo courtesy Charles R. Charles courtesy Leitzell Photo Photo courtesy Charles R. Charles courtesy Leitzell Photo Above: Chitina Left: Pondering dipnetters in 1950. eternity between Note the wood- Fox Creek and handled dipnets. O’Brien Creek Chi- Fishing must have tina in 1950. been slow, judging by the bored look on More pictures the ladies faces. starting page 8.

Photo courtesy Charles R. Leitzell PAGE 2 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 A note from the publisher

ascent of Mt. Blackburn, the highest who help to support this humble he month of June began peak in the Wrangells. We first publication! You are greatly appreci- Twith sudden summer tem- printed it in 1994. The subscribers ated. peratures. Was it ever who got on board WSEN after that Just prior to press time, I re- nice!! Last summer didn’t really date will enjoy reading it for the ceived a phone call from a neighbor happen for us so when the blue sky first time, but many of you old-tim- informing me of the death of Sarah appeared with rising temperatures ers will find it just as interesting the Thorn. Sarah, 25, was well-known in up to 83, local residents, including second time around. the McCarthy/Kennicott area. Her myself, basked in the heat and for- As you know, the centerfold of parents, Steve and Diane, are sum- got about the cold and rain of last WSEN has, for many years, taken mer and fall residents and work for year. the news items from the early the park service. Sarah’s sister, Ma- Gardens and greenhouses are 1900's and shared them with you rie, is also a familiar face to us all. thriving. Folks started planting a bit history buffs. Some time ago, sub- We are sorry we do not have an obit- earlier than usual and then we re- scriber Charlie Ricci, asked me to uary to share with you yet but hope ceived a good rainfall to give our dig up The Katalla Herald and re- to have one next issue. Our deepest seeds a great start at germinating. print the old news from that publi- condolences and prayers go out to What a thrill to walk our garden cation. July of 1909 was the last of this well-loved family! paths and inspect the tiny seedlings this newspaper’s existence. I’ve en- Wrangell St. Elias News wel- and the robust transplants that are joyed “visiting” Katalla through the comes aboard the following sub- now well rooted in their permanents eyes of this newspaper. Beginning scribers: Stephens and Tamara beds. Cauliflower, broccoli, cab- next issue I hope to feature another Harper, AK; Eric Johnson, AK; Mark bage, carrots, beets, parsnips, let- newspaper of history tucked away in Vail, AK; Alex Wesson, CO; Carla tuce, spinach, swiss chard, potatoes the archives of our state library and Hilgendorf, AK; Dian Rhodes, AK; and zucchini are the majority of bring you news items from its view- Bruce James, AK; Mike and Jennifer items we grow outside. The toma- point. Schneider, LA. toes, cucumbers, green beans and Rick and I thank all our contrib- squash are greenhouse musts in my utors and to the faithful advertisers immediate neck-of-the-woods. In between working on the WS- EN and our yearly visitor’s guide to Table of Contents the Kennicott and McCarthy area, A note from the publisher...... 2 Rick and thoroughly enjoy tending Items of Interest...... 3 our garden. Today is June 23rd, (our High Lake Fishing Adventure...... 6 youngest grandson’s birthday. He’s 1950 Copper River survey photo journal...... 8 turning 9 today. Happy Birthday, Kennecott’s Denver Tribute Huge Success...... 12 Caleb!) and we are already sampling Mountaineering history made on Mt. Blackburn...... 13 lettuce, cucumbers, spinach and Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Photo Contest...... 16 chard. Seedtime and harvest is cer- Wake up! It’s time to celebrate...... 17 tainly a God thing, giving us the joy THE KATALLA HERALD...... 18 of taking a tiny seed and with great Scientist kills polar bear during first field experience...... 20 hope and faith, plant it and then Quotes...... 21 eagerly waiting for the end results. Hunting regs for bear, moose change...... 24 The Wrangell St. Elias News is McCarthy Road Volunteer Fire Departments ...... 24 now 17 years old with this Rare original Declaration of Independence copy to tour Princess July/August issue. Over the years we ships July 4th week...... 25 have had such wonderful contribu- Fishing, Chitina style...... 28 tors. Rick chose to go into our Ar- Cooking with Peggy...... 32 chives and reprint a story written by A LOOK AT THE WEATHER...... 33 Neil O’Donnell entitled, “Mountaineering history made on FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION...... 34 Mt. Blackburn.” It highlights Dora Time to Seize this Opportunity...... 34 Keen who made the first historic LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...... 35 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 3 Items of Interest

(I’m glad I was on the list!) and can’t miss it! Kurt says he will Jim and Peggy Guntis: The even fit in a trip up to Kennicott have room to expand his hardware Guntis’ are more-than-familiar for lunch at the lodge and a round and lumber products. A new deck faces to the McCarthy area. They of shopping at Terry and Dee is in the offing as well, says Peggy. have been coming to this special Frady’s Fireweed Mountain Arts On May 30th Paul Barr with Sour- place since 1993. Daughter Kim and Crafts’ gift shop. They also dough Drilling found them an ex- (Northrup) used to work at the attended the McCarthy Lodge’s cellent, abundant supply of water McCarthy Lodge in those early Dinner Night especially geared to at 40 feet. Congratulations! days so Jim and Peggy decided the locals. Fun was had by all, says There is now a cleared, and they would go in with Kim and Peggy! level pad for the new building purchase a piece of property and Jim and Peggy just left to trav- (thanks to Rowcon Services, says build a permanent summer home. el to Homer to pay Kim and family Peggy) with plans for a concrete The construction began in ‘96 a visit. When they return to McCa- foundation to be finished by the and after 4 summer seasons, they rthy on the 25th of June, Jim’s end of this summer. Building moved in. We are within a 5 min- daughter, Sue Miller, and her should begin next spring. The ute walk from each other. For friend, Chris Pinhey, of Tucson are Smiths expect the new Merc to be those of you who have just joined arriving and will take in the July open for the 2011 summer season. the ranks of a WSEN subscriber, 4th festivities. A sightseeing trip to Lots of work yet to be done, but Peggy is the author of Cooking Cordova is also in the plan. much has already taken place. Be- with Peggy. She is also my “mail- Welcome back, Jim and Peg! fore we know it, we’ll be lounging day buddy” who accompanies me on the new deck complete with a Kurt and Peggy Smith and to the mail shack on Wednesdays cup of my favorite low fat peach the good ole’ McCarthy Mercan- and Fridays, and shares my favor- yogurt! tile: It has been a busy 2 months ite ice cream flavor at the McCa- for the Smith family and for the Peggy says the Merc has an rthy Mercantile —low fat peach “Merc.” Not only did they get the “international flair” this year. yogurt! (How can something low store up and running for the sum- Among those helping customers fat still taste so good?) mer of 2009 but the new store’s are Albina Izmaylova from Russia The Guntis’ arrived on May site began taking on a totally dif- and Majbritt Logan from Den- 21st this year. Jim got their water ferent look. The present site is mark. Both young ladies make line up and running in record just a hop and a few skips from sure you are well taken care of. time. By the time daughter Kim, the Ma Johnson Hotel in down- In May daughters Kelsey and her husband, Richard, and 5- town McCarthy. The new site is Katy and granddaughter Ava came month old son, Robert “Robbie” just before one enters what I refer calling. Katy and Ava were only Franklin Frost arrived on the 31st, to as “downtown.” here a few days. Unfortunately, I the house was in fine shape. Peggy Across the road from the Mu- missed seeing them this time and Kim took time to visit friends seum is the new location. You around. Kelsey is helping out at the Mercantile until the end of

Wrangell St. Elias News (USPS 011301) VOL. Eighteen, Issue Four, July & August 2009. Published every two months at McCarthy, Alaska. McCarthy, PO Box MXY, Glennallen, AK 99588-8998. Phone (907) 554-4454. FAX 1-866-487-7657. E-mail: [email protected] “Copyright © 2009 by Wrangell St. Elias News. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the express permission of the publishers.” Contributors to this issue: Peggy Guntis, George Cebula, Ned Rozell, Neil O’Donnell, Carrie Hale, Terry Blosser, Charles Leitzell, John Rice, Carole Morrison and Meg Jensen. Subscription price is $14 for one year in the USA. Canada $16. Other countries $23. Advertising rates upon request. Deadline for publication in next issue is August 15. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GLENNALLEN, AK. 99588. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wrangell St. Elias News, McCarthy #42, PO Box MXY, Glennallen AK 99588-8998. PAGE 4 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009

July. “Grandpa and Grandma” to be eating from the garden a in a day. Maybe hike, maybe ride Smith plan on whisking her away little later in the summer.” the 4 wheelers, maybe sit in the to the Galapagos Islands for a fine Recently, John and their dog, shade, maybe just sit in the sun vacation. What an adventure you Clark, had quite an interesting and enjoy the scenery and serenity are in for, Kelsey. Seems like this experience. I’ll let John tell it in of it all. (All the while keeping will make an excellent item of in- his own words: “Clark and I were Kobuk, our 5-month old black lab, terest next issue! out for our morning walk when entertained.) Who knows! No, Sonny Asbury: Sonny arrived Clark spotted a moose up the road there is no schedule this summer. No long drives after work in the back in the area on May 2nd. Inter- and took off after it. The moose estingly enough, he met up with quickly escaped into the woods middle of the night to get here, John and Barbara Rice while tra- and after a lot of barking Clark because we are already here. No versing the Alcan Highway. They came back and we continued our asking for days off to be here, be- kept in contact along the way and walk. Later in the morning Clark cause we are here for the summer. drove in the McCarthy Road the started barking again and ran into We have passed the ‘vacation’ feel- same day. the woods and continued the bark- ing. We are living here and it’s nice to enjoy the peace and spon- All was well at his cabin, he ing. When I went to investigate, I taneity of each day we wake up to, said, and his new companion, Mac, saw that Clark had found the no matter what the weather holds. a 6 month old part German Shep- moose again. Just as I arrived the Kobuk is in total agreement. herd and Chow is quite taken with moose decided that enough is Whether he watches us work our 4 his new quarters. Mac has learned enough and turned around and hours from his favorite shaded to jump up on Sonny’s 4 wheeler started after us. I quickly ran be- spot, or gets to take a ride on the but it took him awhile to figure hind a tree, but the moose contin- 4 wheeler, he is enjoying the most out how to get down by himself. ued after Clark for about 100 feet before stopping and wandering of each day too. Yep, this summer Sonny is giving Rick and me a back in the woods. Once Clark is going to be different, and may- “good” hand on our new guest figured he was at a safe distance be fall, too.” cabin project so his arrival was he turned around and started Dave Adams: Rick and I were good timing. barking again. Now every day he so pleased to have Dave stop by Welcome back, Sonny, and goes back to the same spot and and say hello. It has been a very welcome to McCarthy, Mac! barks in case the moose has re- long time since we have seen him. John and Barbara Rice: The turned.” Dave is a long-time visitor to the Rices had a safe trip north from Welcome back, John, Barbara area. He owns a cabin and proper- their winter home in St. Louis. and Clark! ty across McCarthy Creek and also Things were in fine shape at their Larry, Lindee and Kobuk Sat- has land just down the road from Kennicott-style cabin on the Ken- terfield: The Satterfields deserve a us. nicott River, so it didn’t take “welcome, home, too!” Lindee is David had a couple young la- them long to get settled in, un- such a good sport at writing her dies with him. One was his 6 year packed for the summer and back own items of interest so I asked old daughter, Denali, and her spe- into helping with community proj- her to fill us in since their arrival cial friend from Anchorage. Both ects. in McCarthy mid-May. She writes: ladies were well equipped with fan- Barbara heads up Sunday “This summer is going to be cy, flowered mosquito netting hats lunch preparations at the McCa- different. The last three summers which I suspect would go over well rthy-Kennicott Community we have been coming out to our with the ladies of our town. Maybe Church and does a fine job at it, cabin on the weekends and holi- they could market them in our too. She and John had the oppor- days at best. Mostly to work on local gift shops! tunity to volunteer a couple of ‘projects’ like finishing the cabin Although Dave lost his right days at the Wrangell Mountain and hike a little, too, if time per- leg because of a blood clot, he is Center which is our local non-prof- mitted. This summer we have sporting a fancy artificial leg. His it educational/environmental or- come to stay. Mostly to work on 4 wheeler was a great mode of ganization. John says: “It was ‘projects’ like the cabin, but this transportation. Dave’s great sense clean up and planting time so we will be at our leisure. Yes, instead of humor (he said he purchased “a did a little of both. We are going of working 20 hours in a leg off Ebay” and had Rick and I day...maybe we will work 4 hours laughing with him) is contagious. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 5 Thanks, Dave, for coming by and Cross Road Medical Center: ed by Pastor Rick Kenyon of McCa- for being you! Medical personnel from the Glen- rthy. Larry and Cara Pollock Jim and Audrey Edwards: Jim nallen-based Cross Road Medical reside in Fargo, ND. and Audrey are presently in An- Center held its first mobile clinic Family members were on hand chorage. Audrey just returned in McCarthy on May 26th at the to offer their overwhelming sup- from another adventure with her McCarthy-Kennicott Community port. Sharon Wald, Joseph and sister and niece. I’ll let her tell it Church. Routine health care to Cara’s mother, and Geri Urive are in her own words: “Well, I'm back McCarthy area residents is their sisters to long-time McCarthy resi- from Vegas and managed to stay focus and will be for further day dent, Tim Mischel. Joseph and his within the limits I set for myself. I clinics. Folks are encouraged to mother are also landowners on the would win some and lose some, telephone the center at 822-3203 west side of the Kennicott River but really had a great time doing for appointments. Please contact and visit as often as they can. it. The three old ladies kept each Davanea Bush, RN, Mobile Health Tim, who is best known to other busy, and also managed to Program Coordinator. Walk-ins Joseph and Cara as “Uncle Tim,” take in one of the best shows I've are welcome, and will be seen on served as best man at Joseph’s ever seen in Vegas. We went to space available basis. wedding and was a witness to the the Terry Fader show. He was on The next scheduled clinic will marriage vows of Cara and Larry. America's Got Talent Show, and be June 29th and also held at the Kathy Drury also stood in as a wit- was the winner. He is a ventrilo- church from 10:30 - 12 noon and ness to the Pollocks’ wedding. quist and very amazing. He could 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Joseph wrote on Erica’s and sing by imitating another singer Routine physical exams in- his wedding bulletin, “And they and do it while in ventriloquist clude: Adult physicals, ICC physi- lived happily ever after...” And, so, mode. Like I said amazing.” cals, well child checks (with that is our prayers and wishes for Dan Elofsen: Just as I was Immunizations), blood work and these two very special couples! putting the finishing touches on tetanus shots. Best wishes to Jamie and Items, a neighbor informed me The July clinic is presently Brandi: Another round of wedding that Dan’s shed burned down a scheduled for July 24th. bells and best wishes go out to couple days ago. He lost his 4 Thank you, Davanea and Kip, Jamie Esler and Brandi Mayes wheeler, two snowmachines and a —well-known to locals of the Mc- generator and much of his person- for your interest in our communi- Carthy area! On June 21st folks al belongings. We are glad, Dan, ty and its welfare! gathered to witness their marriage that you were not hurt in the fire, Welling Bells ring for the which took place out front of the but very sorry for your losses! Wald family: More than one Mc- Kennicott River Lodge and Hostel. Carthy wedding took place in early McCarthy-Kennicott Museum: Owner of the Hostel, Brad Gross- June for the Wald family! I am If you’re a local to the McCarthy weiler, performed the wedding pleased to report and send best area, be sure to take a fresh, new with many community members in wishes to Joseph and Erica Wald look at the museum. It is sporting attendance. Jamie and Brandi and Joseph’s sister, Cara, and her three new signs, thanks to the make their home in North Idaho, husband, Larry Pollock. craftsmanship of local artist, Terry but plan on spending this summer Frady. I call him an artist, because Joseph and Erica began the in McCarthy. Much love and his signs are unique and always in family celebration with their wed- prayers to you both! character with our town! ding on June 6th. The marriage Birth Announcement: Con- rites were held at the McCarthy- On June 10th, Jim Guntis, Bob gratulations to Matt and Julie Kennicott Community Church. Cook and Meg Hunt volunteered Miller on the birth of their son The clergy performing the wed- their time to hang the signs in James Dean Miller, born at 8:02 their designated places. ding was Deacon Curt Leuenberg- a.m. on May 4th in Palmer, Alaska. er. A reception was held Thanks, Terry, for giving the James Dean weighed 7 lb. 10 oz. afterwards at the Kennecott Rec- museum your special touch and and was 21 inches long. Grandpar- reation Hall in Kennicott. The thanks, Jim, Bob and Meg for put- ents Jim and Jeannie Miller of Walds live in Anchorage, AK. ting the finishing touches on the Kennicott, report parents and ba- project. The second wedding was held by are doing very well. the next afternoon, June 7, at the toe of the glacier and was officiat- PAGE 6 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009

McCarthy Lodge serves up nity happenings, I am able to pro- 4th Course, Pavre - compressed fine dining for local folks: Some- vide you with the following details: pork, smoked pasta, apple glas- times local residents miss out on “One of the highlights of the sum- trique all the fine dishes the McCarthy mer is Local's Night at McCarthy 5th Course, Dark Chocolate Lodge chefs create for area visi- Lodge. The idea is for the chefs to Mousse, White Chocolate Lemon tors. Not to leave us out, Chefs Ian practice all their new dishes on Ganache, Sand Cookies and Josh, with the blessing of own- the locals who get a wonderful er Neil Darish, brought out the dinner for way below market value. There were also a couple of off best of their summer fare. Of course the dinner is always a menu courses like corned duck sell-out and the locals look for- breast and pickled radishes and June 3rd was the date; McCa- cantaloupe pieces. Needless to rthy Lodge dining room was the ward to it. Here was this year's menu: say, we were all stuffed by the end place to sample their dishes. of the evening. Unfortunately we Neighbors and their family 1st Course, Frito Misto - fried forgot to take the camera so no members gathered around nicely meats pictures of all the treats.” set tables while a variety of cours- 2nd Course, Tomato & Fennel Copper Valley Telephone’s es were served to the eager group. Soup Customer Appreciation Picnics: Because there was not enough 3rd Course, Wild Copper River July 9, Copper Center at Kluti- room to contain all the folks who Red Salmon - confrit of salmon, Kaah; July 10, Kenny Lake, fair- wanted to participate, there is confrit of new potato, carrot gin- grounds; July 16, Chitina, at the word that the chefs just might re- ger foam Wayside; July 17, McCarthy, Com- peat their performance! munity Center; July 24, Glennal- Thanks to John Rice, who len, CVTC parking lot; Sept. 8, takes excellent notes on commu- Valdez, CVTC parking lot. High Lake Fishing Adventure

and back again, bringing our In John’s family newsletter, bout this time last incoming mail and taking our he describes his and Barbara’s Ayear, my husband outgoing mail to the post office trip. He writes: “Our latest ad- Rick, John and Barba- at Glennallen. For the most part, venture was a fly out fishing trip ra Rice and I made plans for a this regular occurrence is what to a small lake in the Chugach fly-in fishing adventure to a lake we McCarthyites know best Mountains named High Lake. nestled high in the Chugach about Copper Valley Air. Howev- We were at about 3,000 feet so I Mountains; thus, its name, High er, our mail planes and their pi- guess the lake was named for the Lake. lots do more than just carry our altitude. We went for three days However, due to a leg injury I mail and offer passengers service and were the only people on the experienced in May of 2008, we between Glennallen and McCa- lake. We were flown out on a canceled our trip. rthy and Anchorage. They carry small plane (a Helio Courier on with them knowledge and access floats), made even smaller by our This year the Rices — to those pristine places that pro- gear and Clark (the Rice’s dog). McCarthy summer residents — vide truly unique fishing experi- The fishing was great! Every came north from their winter ences. Just ask John and time we went out we caught fish home in St. Louis prepared to Barbara. They just returned from (Lake Trout) and wound up eat- revisit our earlier plans. a 3 day, 2 night stay at High ing fish for three meals. We Copper Valley Air Service, Lake. (Although I recovered well didn't keep track, but I'm sure based out of Gulkana, is a fre- enough to make the trip this we got our limit every day. quent visitor to the McCarthy year, Rick’s and my schedule just “The other opportunity we area. At least twice a week, didn’t allow enough time to had at High lake was to observe owner/pilot Dave Parmenter, or squeeze in this mid-June adven- world record porcupines in ac- one of his pilots, fly the mail ture.) tion. The first night they got route from Gulkana to McCarthy WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 7 under the cabin floor and drove (www.coppervalleyair.com) says much longer!) Clark nuts. Later they started many species of fish inhabit High Cooking gear was provided chewing on the floor which Lake but John and Barbara’s but John and Barbara took their scared him enough to try to Mepps spinners attracted the own fishing gear, sleeping bags climb in bed with us. The sec- highly-favored Lake Trout. and pads and food. You need to ond night we managed to keep In previous years a 10' x 12' provide your own water or boil them out from under the cabin, but they got behind the cabin where they could eat the scrap lumber. At about 4:00 am I de- cided to get up and take their picture. Our pilot said they weigh between 40 and 50 pounds and can be hunted with a pistol. I wish I had taken the pistol I was offered by a friend before we left!” According to Barbara, bears were not an issue, which is cer- tainly an added plus when fish are abundant. They had the lake to themselves. Solitude certainly came with the package. A boat was waiting for them on the lake’s shore. Plenty of gas and an that brought a Photo courtesy John Rice high note of praise from John: John and Clark enjoy the solitude at High Lake. “It started on the first pull every time!” (Now that’s another plus!) tent with a hard floor platform the lake water. Copper Valley Air Service’s served as the guests’ quarters. When the Rices weren’t fish- web site This year a newly-constructed ing or eating their catch for the cabin with day, they found the peace and tin covered quiet was perfect for a few rous- walls provid- ing games of Tri-Dominos. ed a more In case you are considering secure place this mini-vacation excursion, you to sleep and will find the prices more than cook in. reasonable. They start at $250 a (Security person for a 3 day, 2 night stay being from with additional days only $75 the porcu- each. pine gang Be sure to check out Copper that, I sus- Valley Air’s other outdoor adven- pect, will not ture trips. Their phone number be on the is 907-822-4200. And, thanks, loose for too John and Barbara, for sharing

Photo courtesy John Rice “your” adventure with us! Barbara displays nice catch of trout. PAGE 8 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 1950 Copper River survey photo journal

number of tricks to get the plane and crew off some ast fall Bonnie and I were privileged to of the short “runways.” The Alaska Road Commis- Lmeet Charles R. (Bob) Leitzell and his sion (ARC) provided cooks at the Tiekel Section lovely wife Paula. During our conversa- house and also the “Ginny Creek” station. tion I learned that Bob had been part of an Alaska Ginny Creek was actually an unnamed creek in Road Commission (ARC) crew surveying the Cop- 1950. According to Bob, the crew named it for Bob’s per River in 1950, and that he had photos of the (then) girlfriend in San Diego. They put the name on area. Bob quickly agreed to share those photos the survey map, the USGS picked it up, and that was with us, and with you. that! The ARC undertook the survey, and a company Bob and the crew finished their work in Novem- called AERO Service Corporation that specialized in ber of 1950. They were marooned by a blizzard at photogrammetric surveys worked under contract Ginny Creek for several days before Herb rescued with the ARC to provide the aerial survey work. With them with a ski plane. Bob had a radio receiver and the exception of two men from AERO Service Corpo- could hear Cordova Air Service talk about them be- ration, the field crew was provided by the ARC. ing stranded but they could not answer. The ARC contracted for the crew’s transporta- Bob says by the time they got to Chitina the tion with Herb Haley of Cordova Air Service doing temperature was -25F. much of the actual flying. Herb was our own Howard The pictures were scanned from 35 mm slides. Haley’s father and the plane he used had a somewhat Bob has another collection taken from Chitina to unique tandem-wheel landing gear arrangement. Kennicott between 1950 and 1954 that we hope to According to Bob Herb was a great pilot and used a share with you at a later date.

Photo courtesy Charles R. Leitzell. onstanding O’Brien Bobthe Creek trestle.Leitzell It is thought that O.A. bridgesuspension ingenious in the hand type a had repair.Nelson WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 9

Photo courtesy Charles R. Leitzell. Baird Moraine. Maintaining a railroad on a glacial moraine is not an rails were prettyThe task. easy beyond in much place all O'Brien Creek to at least Million the Dollar in Bridge 1950. "All bitmay be in a place" ofexaggeration. an ARC crewmember Fred Morey looks over ofremains Fox the creek trestle.rails from The Chitina to Fox removed Creekbeen had by this time. Photo courtesy Charles R. Leitzell. PAGE 10 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Taznuna River trestle.boat the Taznuna was This crew the to used loca- access tions not accessible by plane or foot. The person with his back to the of AERO Service Jack was Ninneman Corp.camera other The person is riverboatthe operator “Voss,” who hiredwas locally. Photo courtesy Charles R. Leitzell. Cordova Air Service pilot on Herb Noteairplane. tandem Haley. wheels Photo courtesy Charles R. Leitzell. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 11 Photo courtesy Charles R. Photo Leitzell. er tower at Ginny Creek. Wat to to courtesy Charles R. Leitzell. Pho Tiekel section house. The man in the doorway in the man sectionThe cook house. was a Tiekel provided by the Road Commission.Alaska Another cook Ginny was at the Creek station. PAGE 12 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Kennecott’s Denver Tribute Huge Success

was a celebra- ver 200 people enjoyed a tion reunion. Opotluck social, movie, Oney was one of storytelling and live mu- the owners of sic at the second annual John Den- the Kennecott ver Tribute in Kennecott on June Mines proper- 19. Highlighting the event were two ties for 30 years Guests of Honor who were personal until 1998. He friends of Denver and made a 1975 was Denver’s movie with him in the Wrangells. pilot for the Adding to the excitement of the movie documen- evening was the live broadcast and tary, Alaska: webcast of the two-hour musical America’s Child, program by National Public Radio and starred in affiliate in Valdez, KCHU. the film. The tribute raised about $1,000 Raine Hall, Photo courtesy Dave Hollis during a Silent Auction fundraiser the other Guest of Honor, was a John Denver Tribute musicians lead an audience sing-a- for the Center, long finale. From left to right: Joe Donahue, Hannah Ple- a non-profit educational and re- close personal friend of Denver haty, Nina Linton, Terry Blosser, Jake Schlapfer, Paul search center in McCarthy. Auction Hanis and Diane Malik. items were generously donated by responsible for area businesses. bringing the famed singer together with Oney for For the musical finale, the musi- John Denver was the world’s the movie project. She’s a location cians led the audience in sing-a- leading musical entertainer of the manager for major motion pictures. longs of Denver’s ever-popular Take 1970’s, acted in numerous popular Following the movie showing to Me Home Country Roads, and the movie roles, and used his fame to local favorite, Wrangell Mountain advance the causes of world peace, an enthusiastic standing-room-only crowd, Oney and Raine shared en- Song depicting the singer’s 1975 eliminating world hunger, and envi- visit to the area. ronmental issues. He died in the tertaining stories about the movie- Tribute organizers Dave Hollis 1997 crash of his experimental making, and expressed fond memo- of McCarthy and Terry C. Blosser plane. ries of Denver. Then about a dozen local musi- from Montana spent the last year For Guest of Honor Tony Oney preparing the second annual trib- of Anchorage, the tribute evening cians took the stage for solos and group performances of ute. Both envisioned the event two Denver’s musical com- years ago while backpacking in the positions. Crowd- Park. pleasers included Paul Hollis assisted KCHU’s Joshua Hanis’ rendition of Smith with radio commentary and Calypso, and Mike Blosser MC’d the tribute and per- Loso’s banjo picking formed several Denver selections. on Grandma’s Feather The Wrangell Mountains Bed. Center’s Arts and Lecture Series Youngsters Avery hosts the annual tribute which is and Owen Mozen won co-sponsored by the National Park a standing ovation for Service. Center Director Jeremy their performance of Pataky praised the outpouring of Paradise. They are the community spirit and support for children of Elizabeth the event. Photo courtesy Dave Hollis. Schafer and Howard A new generation of John Denver fans, youngsters Mozen of Kennecott. Avery and Owen Mozen, perform Paradise, assisted by Karen and Mike Loso. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 13 Mountaineering history made on Mt. Blackburn

in Philadelphia. Miss Keen devel- weather and lack of supplies he well-known attrac- oped an early affinity for travel, forced a retreat. While an addi- Ttions of the McCarthy accompanying her father on a tional 7,500 vertical feet remained area include the rich world tour in 1901 and 1902. In to be climbed, Miss Keen was con- history of the Kennicott Mines, 1906 she traveled through the fident they had found a route the Copper River and Northwest- American and Canadian Rockies. through the great icefall at the ern Railway, and the town of Mc- She later spent a year and a half in head of the . She Carthy. Few people are familiar, Europe and North Africa. In 1908 pledged to return the following however, with the historic first and 1909, she accompanied Gen- spring. ascent of the 16,380-foot Mt. eral Gorgas to the first Pan-Ameri- Miss Keen’s 1911 expedition Blackburn, the highest peak in the can Scientific Congress in Chile, was a pioneering effort on several Wrangells. Virtually every aspect returning to Philadelphia by way accounts. At that time, only one of this 1912 ascent was unusual, if of France. great Alaskan peak had been not revolutionary. While other When she was in her late thir- climbed: the 18,008-foot Mount great peaks in Alaska were being ties, Dora Keen developed an in- St. Elias, which had been climbed challenged by elaborate expedi- terest and affinity for climbing. by the Italian Duke of Abruzzi and tions mounted by groups such as She made numerous climbs in the a large, elaborately equipped party the New York Explorer’s Club, Mt. Alps, several climbs in the Canadi- in 1897. The summits of the other Blackburn was conquered by a an Rockies and the Selkirks, and great Alaskan peaks, including Mt. group of local McCarthy miners several ascents in the Andes. She McKinley, remained unconquered. led by a five-foot-tall, 40-year-old also climbed several of the great Arctic mountaineering was a new woman named Dora Keen. volcanoes of Mexico. Prior to her endeavor, and climbing in the To succeed on Mt. Blackburn, trip to Alaska, however, it appears north without the support of a Miss Keen and her group decided that her major ascents — such as vast expedition was unheard of. to abandon the conventional the 15,781 foot Mont Blanc and Miss Keen drew several lessons climbing practice of making slow the 20,561 foot Chimborazo — from her 1911 expedition. First, but steady progress while relaying had been undertaken in the com- she discovered that latitude is as great quantities of gear high up pany of experienced mountain important as altitude in determin- the mountain. Anticipating climb- guides. ing the difficulty of an ascent. ing practices that developed a Like many visitors, Miss Keen While vegetation allowed for camp half-century later, they twice made came to Alaska in the summer of fires as high as 14,000 feet on fast, lightweight summit attempts 1911 simply to see the spectacular Chimborazo in Ecuador, climbing from camps located relatively low scenery. She was, however, no or- Mt. Blackburn required climbing on the mountain. Their first at- dinary tourist. While hunting for more than 14,000 vertical feet on tempt nearly ended in disaster and “a big brown bear” in the wilder- snow and ice with the attendant convinced most of the party to ness of the Kenai Peninsula, she danger of avalanches and crevass- quit. Three decided to stick it out read about Mt. Blackburn in a es. This extended period on snow and, on May 19, 1912, two suc- U.S. Geological Survey report she and ice, combined with sub-zero ceeded in reaching the summit of found in a prospector’s cabin. Off temperatures at altitude, led Miss Mt. Blackburn: Dora Keen and she headed that July for the newly- Keen to conclude that climbing George Handy. settled mining town of McCarthy. great Alaskan peaks had as much Dora Keen was born in Phila- Apparently a persuasive wom- in common with arctic exploration delphia on June 24, 1871. Her an, Miss Keen scoured McCarthy as traditional mountaineering. father, William W. Keen, was a to organize an expedition com- Dora Keen also came to rely pioneering brain surgeon who had posed of four local men, a dog on her own resourcefulness, and served with distinction in the Civil team, and 750 pounds of supplies. the ingenuity of the Alaskan pio- War. Miss Keen graduated from The expedition left the Blackburn neers, in finding solutions to Bryn Mawr College in 1896, and Roadhouse on August 15, 1911. seemingly insurmountable prob- was active over the next decade in Two weeks later they reached an lems. For example, few mountain- public school improvement issues altitude of 8,700 feet before bad eers who had not planned on PAGE 14 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 climbing in Alaska and had not of every assistance, in Alaska at that Miss Keen and her remaining brought their climbing gear would least, her limitations need be only companions were “MAROONED have considered attempting Mt. those within herself, her measure NEAR TOP OF MT. BLACKBURN, Blackburn. Miss Keen, however, that of which she is capable, her FACING STARVATION.” convinced blacksmiths at the Ken- development in her own hands to Only Dora Keen, George nicott Mine to forge ice-axes for make or to mar. I had come to Handy, and Bill Lang remained her party. Describing the “can-do” Alaska on a voyage of discovery. from the original party of eight to attitude of her sourdough climb- Being alone had seemed to put dig out the camp and wait for bet- ing companions, she wrote: every limitation in my way, and ter weather. It was a long wait. “There was no time to secure now, on the contrary, my love of Deep snow, high winds, and ava- anything from such a distance [as adventure and sport could be sat- lanches kept the three remaining Seattle], nor does the prospector isfied as never before.” climbers holed up in a snow cave consider anything necessary, Miss Keen made good on her for the next nine days. Twenty feet merely ‘handy.’ Necessity and promise to return to McCarthy the of new snow had fallen by the time emergency have taught him to next spring — and she succeeded they were again able to head up ‘get along.’ He knows to an ounce in climbing Mt. Blackburn. This the long, exposed gully. Because what he needs for a ‘trip’ as he epic ascent was to take 33 days on the new snow made trail breaking calls an expedition. ‘Anyone that snow and ice. The crux of the with heavy packs extremely diffi- can’t pack ninety pounds would climb was a long, steep, avalanche- cult, they again planned a fast, better not come to Alaska,’ they swept gully above their 8,700-foot lightweight ascent. Although they say, ‘for this is the least with camp. The party faced the choice carried only minimal rations and which he can get along out in the of making numerous trips up the modest survival gear, the deep hills.’ His motto is ‘never stuck.’ threatening gully ferrying gear to snow delayed their progress and His is the land of hope. He is al- the upper slopes or minimizing prevented them from topping out ways ‘going to make a strike next the time they were exposed to fall- of the gully before afternoon ava- year, sure,’ therefore always ready ing ice blocks and avalanches by lanches began. After digging an to endure and to smile, whatever making a quick, light ascent with impromptu snow cave behind a happens.” minimal gear. They chose the lat- sheltering ice block, Miss Keen The most important lesson ter course. This strategy almost observed: Dora Keen took back from the worked. “We were safe from anything 1911 expedition, however, was They succeeded in reaching that might come, and yet I could that the newness of the frontier the top of the steep 60- to 75-de- not sleep for the thunder of the provided a freedom of opportunity gree gully but then spent three many slides on every side. None unavailable to women in more es- days pinned down in snow caves at came near us until midday, when tablished society. It would be hard 12,500 feet, waiting out a bliz- twice the deep rolling of falling ice to imagine Miss Keen convincing zard. They whiled away the time made me sit up with a start just as the New York Explorer’s Club to contemplating the food, cook a great mass went sweeping by. put her in charge of an expedition stove, and bedding they had left They were the most awe-inspiring to Mt. Blackburn in 1911—nine 3,500 feet below. Without food sight that I have ever seen, so years before women were allowed and water, and facing hypotherm- wonderful, so thrilling to watch, to vote. Miss Keen, however, ar- ia, they made a courageous de- that I wished I did not need sleep. rived in a frontier town in which scent in whiteout conditions. They passed so close that it was as she knew no one and, in a few It was now two weeks into the if the American Falls at Niagara short weeks, convinced four men expedition and the glory of it all were suddenly overwhelming us.” (including McCarthy’s leading citi- had started to wear thin on several Only an unusually adventurous zen, John Barrett) to head off to of the sourdoughs. They were back spirit could so enthusiastically the top of Mt. Blackburn. Writing at their 8,700-foot camp (still over describe such a perilous perch. of the first days of the 1911 expe- 7,000 vertical feet from the sum- After three additional days of dition, she stated: mit), the weather was poor, and challenging and arduous climbing, “A new feeling of confidence, they were lucky to be in one piece. Dora Keen and George Handy new zest came over me each day Four decided to leave. Exaggerat- could find no higher ground. They as I realized what a woman might ing tales of these returning min- reached the summit of Mt. Black- do in America. Sure of respect and ers, the Associated Press reported burn at 8:30 on the morning of WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 15 May 19, 1912. From the highest She and George Handy traversed Dora Keen’s last visit to Alaska point in the Wrangell Mountains, Skolai Pass into the Yukon in the came during a round-the-world they gazed 200 miles or more in summer of 1912. She explored tour in 1962. She was 91 years old every direction. and mapped the Harvard Glacier and again traveling by herself. It Dora Keen’s second, success- in Prince William Sound in 1914, was her first visit to Alaska since ful expedition was the culmination again with George Handy. Their 1925. In an interview with the An- of an innovative, pioneering, and companionship blossomed into chorage Daily News, she stated, “I revolutionary climbing effort. Mt. romance and, in 1916, marriage. thirst for adventure, which I never Blackburn was now the second Their honeymoon, as might be get. People take too good care of highest peak that had been predicted, was a two-month trip me.” Dora Keen was not fated to climbed in Alaska. It had been into the wilderness between the complete her last adventure. She conquered through a feat of en- Copper and White Rivers. Miss died in Hong Kong on January 31, durance requiring 33 days on Keen’s last reported trip in Alaska 1963. snow and ice, 22 of which had re- was an expedition in 1925 to the According to long-time McCa- quired encampment in snow caves Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes rthy mountain guide Bob Jacobs, or open bivouacs. Miss Keen and where she led an ascent of Mt. Miss Keen’s ascent route on Mt. her companions had spent ten Katmai. Blackburn has never been repeat- days without fuel or a stove. Care- Dora Keen and George Handy ed. Writing in 1912, Dora Keen ful reading of snow conditions by resided on a farm in Vermont until noted that while the northern ap- Miss Keen had kept the party off 1930, and were divorced in 1933. proaches to Mt. Blackburn were dangerous slopes during periods In 1934, at the age of 64, Dora more gradual and less prone to of high avalanche danger. Success Keen began a career as an insur- avalanches, they were extremely had come through a fast, light- ance agent for Provident Mutual remote and therefore very difficult weight summit bid in contraven- Life Insurance Company. She went to reach. That difficulty disap- tion of then-accepted climbing on to receive several awards as a peared with the advent of air- wisdom. And, most remarkably for successful saleswoman. planes capable of glacier landings. the time, the expedition had been Writing in her alumni maga- The normal approach for modern led by a slight, middle-aged wom- zine about lectures she had given climbers is to fly to the base of Mt. an. at several colleges in 1915, Miss Blackburn on the upper Nabesna Miss Keen’s achievements did Keen stated: Glacier. not go unnoticed. Accounts of her “I believe more and more in In 1965, a sub-range of the Mt. Blackburn climbs were pub- the economic independence of Chugach Mountains between the lished in mountaineering journals, women and in productive activi- Harvard and Yale Glaciers was offi- geographical society reports, and ties for them as for men... I am cially named the “Dora Keen popular magazines. Miss Keen, a eager to help the faint-hearted Range” by the U.S. Board of Geo- member of the American Alpine and this is my chief aim in writing graphic Names. This was an appro- Club, presented an illustrated ac- and lecturings — to pass on the priate tribute to a woman who had count of her Mt. Blackburn ascent courage I have gained from my written half a century earlier that, at the Club’s winter meeting in wonderful experiences.” “Alaska had already taught me New York City in 1912. The other When she was in her eighties, that if we can but have the cour- speakers on this memorable eve- Dora Keen began to find the Ver- age to start upon any undertaking, ning included arctic explorers Sir mont winters difficult and instead the way usually opens and the ob- Ernest Shackleton, Vilhjalmur Ste- traveled the world; her destina- stacles melt away.” fansson, Admiral Peary, and moun- tions included the Congo, South Editor’s note: This story origi- taineer and explorer Belmore Africa, Australia, New Guinea, Ke- nally was published in our July & Browne. nya, and Java. She tried Florida August 1994 issue. Mt. Blackburn was not the last one winter, but left because it was of Miss Keen’s Alaskan adventures. “just filled with old people.” PAGE 16 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 FOR SALE

5 acres in Fireweed Subdivision, Mile 51 McCarthy Road 1/4 mile off the road with easy, road accessibility. 16' x 24' cabin with two porches, good and sound, just needs some limited TLC Large, two-story barn, well, good outhouse White spruce and aspen trees 50' mobile home with 3 beds, cooking and heating stove $70,000 asking price but willing to negotiate Sellers: Harold and Carol Michal. Contact information: Box MXY, Glennallen, AK. 99588. 907 554-4428. Or 101 Frank Smith Way #207, Wasilla, AK. 99654. 907 373-4193.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Photo Contest energy projects across Alaska. Executive Director of ACA, The Alaska Conservation Alli- Additionally, $360 million was Caitlin Higgins said, "This is a ance (ACA) is pleased to an- allocated for weatherization and great opportunity for Alaskans to nounce they will be holding a energy efficiency upgrades in show off their imagination and photo contest for pictures of re- homes across the state. With originality through energy effi- newable energy and energy effi- work on these two projects al- ciency, renewable energy, and ciency. The final judging will be ready underway ACA would like photography." Higgins added, done at the Renewable Energy to encourage Alaskans to docu- "The time for renewables and Fair in Anchorage on August 1st ment these innovative energy energy efficiency is now, and by a panel of celebrity judges efficiency and renewable energy these photos are the proof." TBA. Prizes will go out to the projects. Great examples of re- Photos can be submitted on- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. newable projects include power- line at www.akvoice.org, emailed Prizes include a lodge get-a-way producing hydrokinetic turbines to [email protected] for two, a full-boat fishing trip, in Ruby, geothermal power that or mailed to Laura Silverman, REI gear, and more! will heat the Juneau Internation- Alaska Conservation Alliance, Recently, comprehensive leg- al Airport Terminal, and wind 810 N Street Suite 203, Anchor- islation was passed that created turbines in Toksook Bay that age, AK 99501. The deadline is produce about 643,633 kilowatt- an Alaskan Renewable Energy July 27th, 2009. Fund. So far, this fund has en- hours per year (Alaska Native abled investments of $125 mil- Energy). lion to go to 107 renewable WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 17 Wake up! It’s time to celebrate

years. In 1978 Mark’s life took

uly 4th is always a time on a whole new direction. He The Jto celebrate the rich discovered God’s true plan for history and birth of our his life which has taken him to nation. Ever since my family and over 30 nations. Church I moved to McCarthy in 1978, Guest speaker will be Pas- on our small town has found some tor Joe Pescini of Fort Bragg, the way to express its patriotism. California. Joe spent two tours Parades, a variety of games, bar- in Iraq, serving as a Platoon Island becues, live music from visiting Sergeant from the end of 2002 bands or local musicians and into April of 2004. He retired fireworks — just to mention the after 23 years of service which means to which locals and began at Fort Richardson, Alas- What’s missing here? guests observe this special time ka, in 1981. A power point pre- Only ! of year. sentation of pictures and the Goodness ng of of G Beginning last year, the Mc- comments of Iraq, from Iraq, lli od Te Carthy-Kennicott Community showing a side of the people Church joined in the festivities there who really appreciate the by serving up a free barbecue U. S. involvement in their coun- with all the fixings on the church try. God’s protection over his grounds and provided the music entire platoon and 349th Quar- ministry of Rev. Mark Willhite. termaster company while sta- This year you are once again tioned in Balad, 45 minutes invited to join us for another Ju- north of Bagdad, is a story in itself. Refreshments follow the ly 4th celebration. Beginning at 5 service. pm on July 3rd, a “Free-to-All” barbecue will be served at the Sunday morning service on McCarthy Kennicott Community Church church. Hamburgers, hot dogs July 5th is at 10 a.m. with a lunch afterwards. and Copper River Reds are on For more information on ex- the menu so come as you are, Additional “camp-meeting- act times, please contact Rick or relax and let us serve you. style” believers’ meetings will Bonnie Kenyon at 554-4454. At 7 pm on the 4th of July a take place during July 2nd - 5th More than ever, it is a time patriotic service will be held at with guest speakers Pastor Bill to awaken and celebrate the the church with Mark Willhite Ferguson of North Pole Christian goodness of God towards us, our leading us in the songs of coun- Center, North Pole, Alaska and town, our state and our nation! try and faith. Pastors Steve and Tonia Alexan- Please join us. All are welcome. Mark’s background includes der of Word of Faith Assembly, voice training with Metropolitan Wasilla, Alaska, Pastors Daniel Opera Star, Robert Weede, and Karen Bracken and Rev. Broadway Theatre and classical Tom Rappe and the youth group training on the piano for 13 from King’s Chapel in Wasilla.

CLASSIFIED 16x20, 3-sided log cabin kits. Add sweat, doors, windows and some materials, for a cozy home! $11.5K each. E-mail for materials list. Located in McCarthy. (907) 782-3730 or [email protected] PAGE 18 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 THE KATALLA HERALD Vol. 1. No. 39. Katalla, Alaska, Saturday, July 10, 1909. Price Ten Cents Published weekly by J. F. A. Strong

Brenneman Succeeds Warddell has been the warmest they have at any ble to shove freight from Copper Cen- Deputy Marshal James F. Warddell time experienced in this section. Out ter to a navigable port on the Tanana this week made public the fact that he at Martin River on Sunday the ther- river. Mr. Eccles stated that the road had tendered his resignation as deputy mometer registered 85 in the shade. would be pushed to the interior as marshal at Katalla, and he would leave Telegraphic Notes rapidly as conditions justified. for the outside as soon as his successor The senate has increased the Mr. Eccles said his company would was appointed. This has been done, house duty on coal 100 per cent, what- encourage the establishment of trad- Marshal Sullivan having ever that may mean. ing posts at various points, and one of these would be in the vicinity of Cop- on Wednesday appointed F. R. Bren- The automobile race from New per Center, which is already a supply neman, whom Mr. Warddell had rec- York to Seattle for the Guggenheim point and distributing center for a ommended as his successor. Marshal trophy, was won by the Ford car No. 2; large and growing district. He is confi- Sullivan stated that he knew Mr. time 23 days. Warddell’s excellent record and he dent that a great part of the overland Dr. Tarr and a party of scientists, would have been glad to have reap- traffic will come by way of the railroad landed at Yakutat from the Portland, pointed him. But as he was anxious to in another year. to study the glaciers and the geologi- be relieved it gave him pleasure to Speaking of Alaska coal, Mr. Ec- cal formations of the Mt. St. Elias dis- appoint any one recommended by Mr. cles said the government by reserving trict. Warddell. The office was turned over to Hawkins island would be able to get Deputy Marshal Brenneman at mid- Frank A. Russell, who is wanted on coal at one-third the price it is now night, July 1. Mr. Warddell has been charges of seduction and embezzle- paying. He asserted that the biggest stationed at Katalla for the past six ment, committed at Copper Center, battleships afloat could coal from a years, and his record is without spot or where he was a school teacher, re- point on the island, and that the rail- wrinkle. Mr. Brenneman served under turned on the Portland from Seattle, road would have the coal ready for Mr. Warddell for nearly two years and to answer the charges, which he denies. delivery soon after congress removed has also an excellent record. ECCLES A BOOSTER the present restrictions. Mr. Eccles To Expert Copper Mines Big Railroad Man Talks About expressed himself as being extremely Among the passengers on the Alaska optimistic over the outlook for trade in Portland which arrived on Wednesday President S. W. Eccles of the Cop- Alaska, stating that the large sums of from Seattle, was Gen. E. Wilkinson, per River & Northwestern railway left money being expended for railroad an English mining engineer of world- Seattle on July 1 on a trip of inspection construction was the best sign of the wide fame, who will expert the Hub- of the railroad, and the progress being worth of the country and its possibili- bard-Elliott mines for the Hirsch syndi- made in construction work. He is ac- ties when more fully developed. He cate, which has an option on the companied by his family, and his visit thought it might require some time, properties for $7,000,000. Gen. will last a month. but railroads would eventually cross the whole of the country. Wilkinson has experted mines in South In an interview before leaving Se- Africa and in nearly every mining com- attle he said that the railroad would be JULY 3 munity of note, and upon the result of opened to freight and passenger traffic NOTICE his decision will depend the sale of the as far as the Bonanza mine, and for All persons knowing themselves mines. He is accompanied by Harry freight consigned to points beyond, in to be indebted to The Katalla Herald Elliott, of the Hubbard-Elliott compa- 1910. He declared that there is already are requested to settle the same on ny. a large prospective business in sight, or before July 26, inst. and that the railroad would form a Warmest Weather of Record To Plat Nelson Townsite The weather for the past week has main trunk line for a large volume of D. A. McKenzie, one of the owners been exceedingly warm, not to say hot, traffic for the interior. From beyond of the townsite of Nelson at the head of for this latitude. Last Sunday the mer- the end of the road steamers would Cordova bay, is now in that section cury touched 75 in the shade, and take the freight as far as the river is arranging for the platting of the town- continued lively until Thursday when navigable, and with the improvements site. The new town is 11 miles from the heat waves abated somewhat. Old now being made to the overland trail Cordova. timers hereabout say that the weather by the government, it would be possi-

Excerpted from The Katalla Herald newspaper, July 1909 editions. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 19

Local and Personal Cordova’s Projected Rival Local fishermen and women have Katalla’s celebration of the According to the statements made had some great sport this week, in the Fourth, was not upon as elaborate by D. A. McKenzie, one of the promot- early morning hours, catching salmon scale as in former years, but flags were ers of the townsite, Cordova is to have trout in Clear creek and Katalla river. displayed, the festive firecracker was in a potential rival in the town of Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman brought in a evidence, and Alton Williams gave a which is to be built at the upper end of string of beauties on Thursday morn- first rate pyrotechnic exhibition in the Cordova bay, seven miles from Cordo- ing. evening. va. A railroad is to be built to connect JULY 17 The condition and situation of the the town with the Copper River & “THE HERALD’S” LAST WORD steam shovel which jumped the track Northwestern; docks and coal bunkers This is intended as The Herald’s while being brought down for ship- for handling Katalla coal for shipment, obituary, and as obituaries and ser- are to be provided; smelter sites, sites ment to Cordova, were reported to mons should be short and to the for public buildings, including a state Chief Engineer Hawkins by means of point, this one shall not be prolix. capitol, public parks, etc., will be re- an excellent photograph taken by J. L. The Herald has lived, and prospered, Hill, an artist of no mean ability. The served for the use of present and future more or less, for two years lacking photograph was taken at the instance generations. The townsite is owned by one week, and during that time it of Capt. Durkee. McKenzie, Gov. McGraw, Ed Lewin and others, of Seattle, and is to be surveyed has tried to do good, and not evil, and platted at once. The government and it is content to rest upon its R. S. Tyan remembered a number survey steamer, Taku has recently record. Its demise is due neither to of his Katalla friends by sending from completed a survey of the harbor. inanition, or a subsidence of its Cordova strawberries, cucumbers, proprietor’s faith in the future of cherries, apricots, etc., all of which Perkins at Cordova this great coal and oil region, whose filled several long felt wants, and Mr. George W. Perkins, right hand development adventitious and other Ryan’s thoughtful kindness was duly man of J. Pierpont Morgan is due to conditions, have merely delayed for appreciated. The fruit was brought arrive at Cordova, for the purpose of over by the Triton, and was kindly de- looking over the Morgan-Gugganheim a time. But when these have been livered at The Herald office by First enterprises in this section. He is ac- removed, as they will be, this will Mate Andrew Lund. companied by his wife and family, and grow into the greatest and busiest JULY 10 his wife’s relations, and is making the industrial center of all Alaska. PUSHING WORK ON THE trip in the Yucatan, which has been Appreciation is here acknowl- fitted up as a private yacht, whose RAILROAD edged of the loyal support that has splendor has evoked the plaudits of the been extended. The Herald, and the Construction work on the Copper country press of Seattle. consideration it has always received River & Northwestern railway is now News Notes of Alaska from the people and its contempo- progressing rapidly as conditions will raries, to whom its best wishes for permit, according to a statement It is said that a big force of men made by Postmaster A. C. Williams, will be kept at work next winter on the their health, happiness and prosper- who returned this week from a visit of Copper River & Northwestern railway, ity, are herein extended. several days at Cordova, during which and the road will be operated as far as Local and Personal Teikell river, according to present he went out over the line as far as Miles The Herald’s proprietor, accom- plans. glacier. The scenery he says is grand panied by his wife, expects to leave and the old glacier was busy doing Local and Personal on the Portland for Seattle. It is not some remarkable stunts in the way of Local garden sass, such as lettuce his intention to quit Alaska, and he spitting huge icebergs into the river. and radishes, is becoming quite plenti- will probably reengage in the news- The roadbed is in fine condition, ful. A variety of turnips, called the paper business in some other sec- and passengers have a modern coach Finland, new to this region, promises tion of the territory next year. to ride in. to do well. Work on the foundations for the Fred Barrett has returned from Bob Rutherford, the well known big bridges across the Copper is being Tacoma, where he has been attending pushed, and it is being done in a most Whitworth college, for the past two trapper and hunter, recently substantial manner. A big force of men years, and he will spend his vacation trapped a monster brown bear near is employed beyond the canyon and as with his parents. Kushtaka lake. A companion was far as mile 102, and beyond. Misses Grace and Nellie Barrett, keeping the prisoner company, and Mr. Williams says that business in daughters of Col. George T. Barrett, trying to release it. Rutherford had Cordova is much overdone, as is gener- arrived on the Portland for a visit with but two shells in his rifle, and the ally the case in new towns, though their father. They have been attending beast was so ferocious that he con- there are a number of fine business school in Minneapolis for a number of cluded not to engage it in mortal blocks and other substantial buildings. years. combat, and it escaped. JULY 24 PAGE 20 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Scientist kills polar bear during first field experience

“I was getting wood together raised his shotgun and fired a warn- ob McNabb, 23, is just for the stove when I heard glass ing shot into the air. Bbeginning what may be a breaking in the hallway,” McNabb “It sniffed the air, looked at long career studying gla- said. me, and then charged,” McNabb ciers. No matter how many seasons He heard more smashing, com- said. he spends on ice, he will probably ing from the room where his shot- He raised the shotgun to his never have a field experience like gun leaned against a wall. He yelled shoulder, firing four times at the his first. out “Hello,” and got no reply. white bear. The bear stopped its In May 2009, McNabb shot and Then, above the drifted snow on a advance, growled, and shook its killed a polar bear that was charg- window right next to him, he saw head. It turned away, ran about 120 ing him outside a research station the polar bear’s paws pressing feet, rolled over on the ground, and in Svalbard. The doctoral student against the glass. They were the stopped moving. observing an extremely far-north size of dinner plates. McNabb ran back inside the glacier in the Norwegian territory He slipped into the next room, building and reloaded his shotgun. spoke about his experience when the one with the broken windows He then went and told two Swedish he returned to Fairbanks, where he and the shotgun, and picked up the logistic officers stationed there studies at the Geophysical Institute gun. His mind raced at what to do what had happened. at the University of Alaska Fair- next. Those men went out and con- banks. He remembered that one of his firmed the bear was dead. They This spring, McNabb traveled to colleagues had shooed away a bear then called the governor of Sval- the island of Nordaustlandet in a few days earlier by starting a bard, who advised them to remove Svalbard. The Connecticut-size is- snowmachine and revving the en- the bear’s stomach before foxes land is just 10 degrees latitude shy gine. McNabb decided to cautiously began feeding on the carcass. of the North Pole. An ice cap covers step outside and start a machine. Preservation of the stomach 80 percent of its land area. The few He thought the noise would also was essential for determining the mammals on the island include wal- alert others to the bear’s presence, animal’s condition for an investiga- rus, arctic foxes, and polar bears. and going outside seemed more tion by government officials of Sval- No people live there. logical than staying in the station. bard, where polar bears are “It’s one of the most remote places “(The bear) seemed deter- protected. on Earth,” said Regine Hock, mined to get inside,” McNabb said. “(Killing a polar bear) is as- McNabb’s advisor and a scientist at “I did not want to be in the house the Geophysical Institute. sumed to be a crime until proven with the bear, and I didn’t want otherwise,” said Hock, who taught A research station built by somebody else to come out of the in Svalbard earlier this year. Swedish, Finnish, and Swiss re- sleeping hut (a nearby building) “There’s always a legal searchers for the 1957-1958 Inter- and walk right into it.” investigation.” national Polar Year still stands on Slowly turning the door latch A Svalbard police unit flew up the island. It¹s called Kinnvika. The and pushing it open to the cold, to the Kinnvika station where Mc- station, consisting of a main build- McNabb didn’t see the bear at first. Nabb shot the bear. They measured ing, several others, and an out- Looking out, he noticed the closest tracks as they recreated the inci- house, is right on the coast, where snowmachine had a pull-, dent, finding that the bear was polar bears sometimes wander the rather than an electric start. He about 60 feet distant when McNabb beach. McNabb encountered the didn’t want to risk taking the extra began shooting, and the bear polar bear outside of one of the time to start the first machine, so turned away when it was 25 feet snow-drifted frame buildings. he walked a few steps farther, to- from McNabb’s boots. McNabb woke in the chilly re- ward the machine with a push-but- search station on the afternoon of ton . Though the government officials have not yet ruled whether May 10 after a long night in which “While I was going for the next McNabb would be fined for shoot- he worked on nearby Franklinbreen one, the bear came around the cor- ing the bear, both McNabb and Glacier. His coworkers, from uni- ner,” McNabb said. versities in Sweden and Finland, Hock said they believe the evidence The bear looked at McNabb were still sleeping when McNabb for self-defense was obvious. from about 90 feet away. McNabb thought of heating water for coffee. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 21

“They found it was a male with course taught by Fairbanks resi- A few weeks after the experi- nothing in its stomach,” McNabb dent Joe Nava; he had also prac- ence, McNabb said, “the movie of it said. “Before it tried to break into ticed shooting both at the Svalbard has stopped playing in my mind.” the building, it tried to eat two city of Longyearbyen and at the “After the bear fell down, I was seats on the snowmachines. It was Kinnvika station. still rushing on adrenaline, hoping starving, I would guess, at that “It was a good thing I had both the bear wasn’t going to get back point.” the shotgun class and the other up,” McNabb said. “Once I realized McNabb, a native of Kalamazoo, shooting experiences,” he said. it was dead, I felt pretty sad about Michigan, had recently taken the “The class was the first time I’d it.” university’s shotgun training picked up a gun in 13 years.”

This column is provided as a public service by the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, in cooperation with the UAF research community. Ned Rozell is a science writer at the institute. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Quotes

must be in human hands, will ment that it is not— a charter The other day, someone said ever be liable to abuse.”—James for government power, but a to me, “I really like the anti-gov- Madison, speech in the Virginia charter of the citizen’s protec- ernment quotes that you put in constitutional convention, De- tion against the government.” the WSEN.” cember 2, 1829. Sometimes the sayings tar- My blank look, followed by a “The freedom and happiness get a certain form of govern- comment to the effect that I was of man...[are] the sole objects of ment, often with a bit of humor. unaware of any “anti-government all legitimate government.” — “A socialist is somebody who quotes” in the WSEN, seemed to Thomas Jefferson, letter to doesn’t have anything, and is turn on a lightbulb in my Thaddeus Kosciusko, 1810. ready to divide it up equally friend’s face. As American historian among everybody.” —Irish comic “Oh,” said he, “they are not Charles A. Beard (1874-1948) dramatist George Bernard Shaw anti-government, they are pro- once said, “One of the best ways (1856-1950) good government!” to get yourself a reputation as a As Bill O’Reilley is fond of Exactly. dangerous citizen these days is saying, “keep it pithy,” and many I reminded my companion to go about repeating the very of our quotes certainly do: that many of the sayings were by phrases which our founding fa- “Politics is the art of looking the founders of our country. thers used in the great struggle for trouble, finding it whether it for independence.” “To take from one, because exists or not, diagnosing it incor- it is thought his own industry Of course, not all of the quo- rectly, and applying the wrong and that of his fathers has ac- tations we use are from the remedy.” —Ernest Benn quired too much, in order to founding fathers. Of course not everyone likes spare to others, who, or whose For example, author Ayn some of these sayings, but as fathers, have not exercised equal Rand (1905-1982) is quoted as author George Orwell said, “If industry and skill, is to violate saying, “Today, when a concert- liberty means anything at all, it arbitrarily the first principle of ed effort is made to obliterate means the right to tell people association, the guarantee to this point, it cannot be repeated what they do not want to hear.” everyone the free exercise of his too often that the Constitution Finally let me close with the industry and the fruits acquired is a limitation on the govern- words of Will Rogers, “It’s easy by it.” —Thomas Jefferson ment, not on private individuals being a humorist when you’ve “The essence of Government — that it does not prescribe the got the whole government work- is power; and power, lodged as it conduct of private individuals, ing for you.” only the conduct of the govern- PAGE 22 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009

“A government big enough to COPPER RIVER give you everything you want RECORD is big enough to take every- thing you have.” Community Newspaper for the Copper Valley Subscribe * Advertise * Contribute! ~ Thomas Jefferson P.O. Box 277 Glennallen, AK 99588 MOTHER LODE COPPER MINES COMPANY OF ALASKA LLC 907-822-3727 phone and fax 201 Barrow Street #1 • Anchorage, AK 99501 [email protected] Wrangell St. stress-free Elias News holiday Shopping This season, get fabulous gifts for everyone on Subscriptions $14/year your list...all from the comfort of your home. Just call me Online-only $11/year or visit my Web site. You’ll find pampering products, fragrances and more at your convenience! PO Box MXY, Glennallen AK 99588 Tammy Rowland Independent Beauty Consultant 907-554-4454 www.marykay.com/trowland1 (907) 581-5881

Valdez Realty Sourdough Drilling “The Dirt Merchant” Cor. EGAN & HAZLET Water Wells WALTER M. WOOD - BROKER P.O. BOX 868 Paul Barr (907)835-2408 VALDEZ, AK 99686 [email protected] Sourdough Drilling PO Box 721 Invest in your own recreation lot at Mi. 27 McCarthy Hwy. 23 lots available in accessible small & large Soldotna, AK 99669 parcels at Chokosna River Tracts. 907-262-5494 or cell 907-398-7898 Broker is Owner.

www.PropertyRightsResearch.org Julie Smithson, Researcher 213 Thorn Locust Lane London, Ohio 43140-8844 [email protected] 740-857-1239 (voice/no fax) WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 23

The New Caribou Hotel Getting tired? Stop at the Caribou Hotel! The coffee pot’s always on!

Warm atmosphere — Hot Tubs — Satellite TV Full Menu Restaurant

Mile 187 Glenn Hwy. 822-3302 Glennallen, AK

Residential & Commercial Heating Oil Gasoline Diesel Fuel and Jet Fuel Chevron Lube Oils and Greases Tanks/Accessories

Mile 188.5 Glenn Highway Box 276 Glennallen, AK 99588 PAGE 24 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Hunting regs for bear, moose change

was in the field, where the hunt mit? The rule book refers you to onnie brought home took place, how the hunter got page 15 where you find this para- Bthe new Alaska Hunting there and whether commercial graph: Regulation booklet last services were used. Currently, “These permits may be issued mail day and I was surprised to see such information is collected only to groups of resident hunters to several rule changes for our area, from successful hunters who bring hunt big game where the Board of Game Management Unit 11 in a bear to have it sealed. Game has established a communi- (McCarthy area) and 13 According to ADF&G, black ty harvest hunt area. This type of (Glennallen area). bear hunting is growing in popu- permit accommodates local hunt- The first thing I noticed is larity in many parts of Alaska. But ing practices and creates a group that we will be required to obtain game managers don’t have a clear bag limit. Hunters who sign up for harvest tickets before taking black picture of how many people are a community harvest permit dur- bear. The season (no closed sea- actually hunting, where and how. ing a given regulatory year cannot son) and limit (3 per year) has not The Board decided such data is also hunt for the same species un- changed, only the added require- critical for sound wildlife manage- der other regulations during the ment of having the harvest ticket. ment. same regulatory year covered by This new harvest ticket re- Surprisingly, no harvest ticket the community harvest permit, quirement applies to both Units is required for Brown/Grizzly bear except in specific circumstances. 11 and 13. for resident hunters. As has been Other people can hunt in a com- munity harvest area, however, they According to an Alaska De- the case, non-resident hunters will have an individual bag limit.” partment of Fish and Game must be accompanied by a guide. (ADF&G) news release the deci- The season remains August 10- What does that mean, you say? sion was one of several bear-relat- June 30. Good question. I called the Glen- ed items highlighting the Alaska The second major change I nallen office and talked to Wildlife Board of Games’ deliberations at noticed is for moose. The past few Trooper John Simeon. He said the its spring meeting in Anchorage. years we have had to look for new regulation is still in the for- mative stages and the details have Currently, hunters need only a those 50" antler bulls unless hunt- not been worked out yet. Bear in license in their possession to pur- ing on federal land under subsis- mind these new regulations do not sue black bears. For most species, tence rules. New this year is take effect until July 1, 2009. such as moose, caribou and deer, something called Community Har- Trooper Simeon said that there harvest tickets already are re- vest permits, or CM300. With a should be some news posted to quired. CM300, a resident hunter may take any bull during the normal the ADF&G website by July 15. Harvest tickets include a re- August 20-September 20 season. You can check for it at port that must be submitted, out- What is a Community Harvest Per- http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/ . lining how many days the hunter McCarthy Road Volunteer Fire Departments

eas, filling in a gap of 23 miles, a tion equipment, fire fighting equip- ast year we started work- distance that could be crucial to the ment to outfit the truck, as well as Ling to form the Crystal area in the case of wildfire. personal protective gear for fire Creek Volunteer Fire De- Today, we are an incorporated fighters. Donations are needed for partment, which would cover the non- profit organization, certified the organizational set-up and the area on McCarthy Road from Choko- and registered with the State of equipment needed to outfit the de- sna River at 27 mile, to the Fire- Alaska Fire Marshall’s Office, and partment, and they are tax-deduct- weed Mt. Subdivision at mile 51. have recently requested a Federal ible. This service area would put us be- Excess Personal Property fire truck McCarthy Road is a favorite tween the Chitina and McCarthy from state forestry. We are in the place for tourists and campers. With volunteer departments service ar- process of obtaining communica- the hot, dry weather and hazardous WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 25 dry fuels along the road sides, there helicopters. With volunteer crews in tact any of the McCarthy Road Vol- is potential for human caused fires: Chitina, Strelna, Crystal Creek, and unteer Fire Departments. abandoned campfires, unsafe burn- McCarthy we can work with the divi- · Chitina Volunteer Fire ing practices, improperly disposed sion of forestry to watch, patrol, in- Chief Dean Lenard 907-823- cigarettes. form, communicate and fight fire 2250 Structure fires also often escape whenever it happens. · Strelna Volunteer Fire Chief into the wildland to threaten our We encourage everyone to join, Carrie Hale 907-802-1015 neighbors, making “Firewise” all attend training sessions, volunteer Crystal Creek Volunteer the more important. There was a your time, and donate money when · Fire Chief Daniel Morrison house near Lake Louise that recent- you can to any of the volunteer fire 907-554-4456 ly caught fire and spread into the departments near you, helping to wild lands. It was brought under make our part of the wilderness a · Kennicott McCarthy Volun- control and stopped at three acres safe place to visit and live. teer Fire Chief Leath Kram- er 907-960-1906 by rapid deployment of crews and Call Carole Morrison at 554- engines through state forestry as 4456 or email well as a retardant ship and several [email protected] or con-

Rare original Declaration of Independence copy to tour Princess Alaska ships July 4th week

Princess on July 2; Island Princess 1989 when a Pennsylvania shopper rare, original copy of the on July 3; Pacific Princess and Gold- bought a frame at a flea market for AUnited States of en Princess on July 6, and Sapphire $4.00. Later, while inspecting a tear America’s founding docu- Princess and Sea Princess on July 8. in the back of the painting, he dis- ment will make an exclusive appear- “This is an amazing opportunity covered a piece of paper wedged ance aboard Princess Cruises’ for our passengers to get a first- between the frame and painting. He pulled it out and uncovered what Alaska-based ships the July 4th week, hand look at history, which is espe- giving passengers the unique oppor- cially poignant at a time of year would soon be authenticated as the tunity to see the only traveling copy when our country celebrates its in- 25th remaining copy of the Declara- of the Declaration of Independence dependence,” said Jan Swartz, Prin- tion of Independence. The docu- – just as the country celebrates In- cess Cruises executive vice ment changed hands several times dependence Day. The historic exhib- president. “It’s a rare occasion and was purchased in 2000 by Lyn it will be showcased aboard all when we can bring such a unique and Norman Lear for $8.14 million, Princess ships calling in Juneau be- attraction right on board – this doc- with the goal of bringing the docu- tween July 1-8, 2009. ument has never been shown on a ment directly to the American peo- Hosted in partnership with De- cruise ship before. It will be a mem- ple. clare Yourself, a non-profit organiza- orable way to mark the week of In- Declare Yourself is a national tion founded by legendary television dependence Day as well as Alaska’s nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign producer Norman Lear, this unique 50th anniversary of statehood.” that was founded in 2003 to empow- opportunity marks the first time a The only touring copy of the er and encourage every eligible 18- copy of the Declaration has visited Declaration of Independence, De- year-old in America to register to Alaska, and the first time a cruise clare Yourself’s historic document is vote. For more information about line has shown the famous docu- one of an estimated 200 original Declare Yourself, visit ment. broadside copies (about the size of a www.DeclareYourself.com. The Declaration will be on dis- sheet of newspaper) printed by John Additional information about play aboard the vessels for about Dunlap in Philadelphia in 1776 after Princess Cruises is available through two hours while each ship is docked it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, a professional travel agent, by call- in Juneau. The document will be to distribute across the colonies and ing 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting shown aboard Diamond Princess to King George in England. This the company's website at and Star Princess on July 1; Coral copy’s current journey began in www.princess.com. PAGE 26 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Scheduled Air Service from Anchorage to McCarthy with stopover in Gulkana!

Now you can leave Anchorage at 8:30 on Wednesday or Friday morning and arrive in Gulkana at 9:45, McCarthy at 11:00. Or, you can leave McCarthy at 11:15 and be back in Anchorage by 2:00pm the same day! (Leaves Gulkana at 12:45) This service is year around.

www.coppervalleyair.com Ellis Air Taxi, Inc. DBA Copper Valley Air Service, LLC Phone 822-4200 RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEPARTURES, ARRIVALS, CONNECTIONS. Ellis Air will not be responsible for damages resulting from the failure of flights to depart 866-570-4200 or arrive at times stated in this timetable, nor for errors herein, nor for failure to make connections Or toll-free to other airlines or of this company. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Schedules shown are based on expected flying times. Because weather and other factors may affect operat- Gulkana Airfield Box 234, Glennallen, AK 99588 ing conditions, departures and arrivals cannot be guaranteed.

HOMESTEAD SUPPLY Lumber, building materials and hardware delivered to the McCarthy area at Anchorage prices! Give us a call or come in and browse our new ACE Hardware store. NEW! Greenhouse and potting supplies!

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Mile 115.5 Richardson Highway (Box 49) Glennallen WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 27

We’ve Been A Part Copper river reCord Of The4 Local March 5, 2009 Scenery Wells Fargo was one of the SincePanther 1852® Basketball:first companies Last to do business Conference Play Before Tourney By Gary Willford The Ladyaround Panthers here. then So, battled you mightfour Lady Panthers hung on to win The Panther basketball thesay Ladywe’ve Bucca- grown up together.37-35, scoring 5 to Valdez 3 in the teams journeyed to Valdez this past neers in the closest game of the four minute overtime period. This weekend, February 27 and weekend.Thanks After an for even all first your supportwas a great win for the girls 28, for the final games of quarter,over the12-12, years. the Lady despite missing 21 free throws the 2008-2009 season. PanthersGlennallen went coldTeam and for the game. Jubilee On Friday the boy JV team Valdez took an 18-12 lead into Sutherland led the Lady Panthers kept the game close till halftime.Mile 187.5 Glen- Glenn nallen Highwaywith 14, and Christina Savel had 10. the closing moments. then outscored Valdez In the final game, the guys 10-2 in the third faced an intense Valdez squad and led 26-21 at halftime. The second half was all © 2008 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. AS-3216 9551 wellsfargo.comGlennallen as they outscored Valdez 28- 11 in the final two quarters. The Panthers played MORRISON CONSTRUCTION out- standing defense, limiting the Bucs to one State of Alaska-Licensed-Bonded-Insured shot and forcing many Specializing in: turnovers. On offense, Log Building-Rough & Finish Carpentry the Panthers were equally sharp and defeated Now Offering Firewise Assessments Valdez 54-36. Josh & Landscaping! Lorence had 21, including 10 for 11 from the free throw line, and John Goodwin scored Morrison Please Contact: 14. Construction Carrie Hale Saturday was Home- coming PO Box 38 Landscape Foreman for Valdez, and the Buccaneers would Chitina AK 99566 [email protected] be play- ing with great intensity. The boys JV teams are 907-554-4456 907-554-1057 www.morrisonconstructionak.com very evenly matched, and the game again came down to the wire. With a 47-46 lead, the Panthers played tough in the closing moments and were victorious 51-47. In the girl's varsity game, the Lady Panthers faced a determined Valdez team. "Get a jump on the Fire Season!" The Lady Bucs played a With the scored tied at 53, the quarter, but the Buccaneers tied the tough man-to-man defense Valdez JV outscored game at the end to force overtime. and limited Glen- nallen to 5 Glennallen 11-3 to come away With two Panthers, points in the first quarter with a hard fought 64- 56 win. Christina Savel and Sydnee Falkner while scoring 17. The rest of fouling out, the the game was a PAGE 28 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Fishing, Chitina style

nce again the McCarthy-Kennicott OCommunity Church ran a fishwheel at Chitina for the benefit of church members and the community at large. Though the fish were not as plentiful as oth- er years, the two days (June 24-25) provided more than enough for the community meal planned for July 3 as well as fish for canning and freezing. The wheel is owned by Cal Datta of Kenny Lake and used with his kind permission. Sonny Asbury was the primary permit holder and attended the wheel for 48 hours. His assistants were Kyan Kirby and John Rice.

Photo courtesy Kyan Kirby Above: Rick and Bonnie Kenyon at the wheel.

Left: Sonny Asbury and Kyan Kirby with a fine looking king salmon. Kyan was here last year and enjoys the McCarthy area. (See her Letter on page 35) Photo courtesy Kyancourtesy Kirby Photo

Photo courtesy John Rice WSEN staff photo Typical Chitina fishwheel. Two large baskets are constantly rotating, Above: Sonny enjoys a peaceful interlude await- being powered by the current. The fish are coming upstream and ing the next batch of fish. The person in the are lifted by the baskets and deposited in a holding bin on the side. background wearing waders was dip-netting. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 29

Your gateway to adventure...

Explore the possibilities at www.mccarthylodge.com 1-907- 554 4402

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formerly w Private cabins for 2 to 4. w Convenient access by automobile. w Historic homestead setting. Enjoy Alaskan bush living. w Quiet, Peaceful location away from the crowds! Phone (907)554-4454 or Email [email protected] See us on the WEB at http://mccarthy-kennicott.com/WSENBB.htm PAGE 30 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009

Join History in the Making! THE ALASKA AWAKENING McCarthy-Kennicott Community Church July 2 – 5, 2009 Multiple McCarthy “The Glory Services over Parade Entry & Will Shine” Four Days Concert, July 4th

Rev. Mark Willhite Pastors Daniel and Karen Praise Life Ministries Bracken and Rev. Tom Rappe and Kings Chapel Youth Team Pastor Bill Ferguson North Pole Christian Center Pastors Rick & Bonnie Kenyon McCarthy-Kennicott Comm. Pastor Joe Pescini Church Fort Bragg, CA Foursquare Church Pastors Steve & Tonia Alexander Word of Faith Assembly Experience a remote part of Alaska with a rich history while you participate in the release of God’s miraculous end-times awakening.

Transportation, lodging, and meals all require significant planning over the July 4th holiday. Call Wrangell Saint Elias News for assistance, 907-554-4454. Or check www.mccarthy-kennicott.com and the church events link for details. WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 31

ROWCON SERVICES Keith Rowland, Owner GENERAL CONTRACTOR Lifetime Alaskan McCarthy, Alaska 554-4498 Excavation & Gravel Products DEC-approved septics

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McCarthy WRANGELL MOUNTAIN TECHNICAL SERVICES Bed & Breakfast Providing Civil Engineering and Land Survey Services Cozy, quiet cabins, all with private bathrooms & showers. Pull into our conveniently located homestead on the Serving the Copper Basin and throughout Alaska McCarthy Road, ½ mile from the Kennicott River footbridge. On-Site Water and Wastewater Designs Engineering Consultation Continental breakfast & fresh coffee Residential Home Inspections Private baths Construction Inspection and Management Gazebo kitchen As-built Surveys, Boundary Surveys, Sub- Picnic area divisions, Construction Surveys · Tire repair ALLEN MINISH, PE PLS [email protected] Mile 32.1 Edgerton Hwy PO Box MXY Glennallen, AK 99588-8998 P. O. Box 118, Chitina, AK 99566 (907) 554-4433 907-823-2280 PAGE 32 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 Cooking with Peggy

of the fillets. Season the fish with pieces. Cook slowly 10 minutes., riends, As I write to you I salt, pepper and marjoram. Sprinkle turning frequently to glaze. Fam sitting here at the win- the wine and lemon juice over all. Now, how about one for egg- dow of our McCarthy Top with cheese and bread crumbs; plant. It was contributed to the same home looking out the window at all pour butter over all. Cover with wax book by a woman from Alexandria, the snow capped mountains in the paper and microwave for 5 to 7 min- Virginia. utes on HIGH or until flaky. distance and between here and EASY EGGPLANT there, all the beautiful green trees NOTE: This may be baked in a and wildflowers just come into conventional oven at 400 degrees (serves 6) bloom. It is breathtakingly beauti- for 7 minutes, covered and for 5 1 large eggplant (I think she means ful. Our trip north was filled only minutes more, uncovered. one of our large eggplants in the with wonderful weather, beautiful I, personally, always prefer to lower 48) scenery, and an abundance of wild bake rather than microwave espe- 6 large tomatoes, skinned life—bears, buffalo, moose, elk, car- cially out in McCarthy when power 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced ibou, deer, eagles, and even some might be scarce. Just be sure not to thin llamas being raised on the farms. I over bake and dry it out. Peel eggplant and slice cross- guess I better come in from the Now, how about a couple of veg- wise into paper thin slices. Blend woods and get into the kitchen etable recipes. To be perfectly honest, tomatoes in blender until smooth. though so I can do my job! I’m not a big fan of cooked vegeta- Butter a large casserole and make Here we are in the days of sum- bles — give me a raw one any day alternate layers of eggplant, cheese, mer thinking of fresh fish, fresh vege- — BUT I do have a few like Bonnie’s and tomato, ending with top layer of tables and dessert. At least we here fried zucchini and eggplant parme- cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 in Alaska are thinking that way! san that I love. In addition, I found minutes. What could taste better on one of one for carrots and another for egg- Now we go from vegetables to those days when you may be expect- plant that I can add to my list of dessert (which of course I am al- ing some guests for dinner than a “enjoyable cooked vegiis.” Both reci- ways willing to do!). I was very recipe I found in an old recipe book. pes I found in a cookbook I’ve had lucky the other day because when I The cover is gone and the book is in since 1977 whose proceeds went to was talking to my sister, Kathie, on at least 5 pieces so I can’t even give benefit the American Cancer Society, the telephone she happened to men- you its name, however the recipe is Virginia Division, and had recipes in tion that a friend of hers, Birgirt An- wonderful! it that were contributed by Mrs. Jim- derson, was stopping by to give her QUICK AND ELEGANT my Carter and Mrs. Gerald Ford , to a piece of the cheesecake she was ORANGE ROUGHY mention just two. Again my books about to make! Well, I talked up a are yellowed and falling apart from storm and convinced Kathie that (or cod or halibut) use but wanted to share two of them there were so many WSEN readers 1 to 1 ½ lb. orange roughy fillets with you. The first was contributed out there that would love to have the 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms by a woman in Roanoke, Virginia. recipe and that it would be neces- ¼ cup chopped onions LOG CABIN AND GLAZED sary for me to taste it first. (Sounds 1 teaspoon salt good doesn’t it?) So….for lunch to- CARROTS ½ teaspoon pepper day, Jim and I each shared pieces 1 teaspoon marjoram (serves 4-5) from two different kinds of cheese- ¼ cup dry white wine ½ cup Log Cabin Syrup cake that were absolutely delicious. 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons butter I’m going to share with you, my fa- ¼ cup grated Monterey Jack cheese 1 lb. cooked carrots (cook them to vorite readers, the recipes (Birgirt ¼ cup bread crumbs or dry stuffing the consistency you like—of translated the first one from German mix (I like the stuffing) course, I like mine almost raw!) to English) for each of the two cakes. ½ cup melted butter Simmer ½ cup Log Cabin syrup First, let me tell you a little Sprinkle onions and mushrooms and 3 tablespoons butter in skillet 2 about Birgirt. She was raised in Ba- over the bottom of an oblong glass minutes. Add 1 lb. cooked carrots— varia, Germany. Neither her mother dish. Arrange fillets over the vegeta- if carrots are large, cut into 3-4 inch nor grandmother liked to or had the bles, overlapping only the thin part time to cook and bake so Birgirt WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 33 took on the job at an early age. She Whip the cottage cheese until 3 tablespoons flour got most of the recipes from all curds are smooth. If you don’t 1 tablespoon vanilla friends. She met her husband when have a sieve, use electric beaters or 1 cup sour cream he was stationed in Germany. They a food processor. There should be 4 eggs married and moved to the USA. She no lumps. Mix together the first sev- Grease your spring-form pan still loves to cook and bake but the en ingredients. with unsalted butter. Make your fa- baking is her favorite. Most of her In a separate bowl slowly add ¼ vorite pie crust recipe and press it great dishes come more from mem- cup sugar to the egg whites while into the well greased pan bringing ories using a handful of this or that beating them until they form a me- at least a ¼ to ½ inch up the side. than from an actual book but these dium to firm peak. OPTION: A hand- That will keep any of the mixture two are written down. Hope you en- ful of raisins or dried cranberries from oozing out. joy them as much as Jim and I do. can be added right now, if you wish. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, CHEESECAKE Gently fold the egg whites into the flour, vanilla with mixer until blend- 4 egg yolks batter. Pour into the pan over the ed. Add sour cream and mix well. ¼ cup granulated sugar crust and bake 1 hour or 1 hour and Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on 15 minutes at 325 degrees. The ¼ cup sifted flour low speed after each just until center should be almost set. Cool 2 cartons (2 pounds each) cottage blended. Pour over the crust. Bake and then place in refrigerator for 4 cheese at 325 degrees for 1 hour to 1 ¼ hours before serving. 1 tablespoon lemon juice hours or until center is almost set. 2 teaspoons vanilla Note: Birgirt doesn’t use a gra- Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 ham cracker crust like so many of ½ cup heavy cream hours before serving. us do. Her crust is more like a pas- 4 well-beaten egg whites I hope you enjoy any of these try shell flavor and consistency. ¼ cup sugar recipes that you try and that you Use your favorite pie-crust (use CHEESECAKE 2 have a wonderful summer. If you unsalted butter) and press into a This second recipe Birgirt has have any questions or suggestions well greased (unsalted butter) adapted from the Philadelphia you can reach me at spring-form pan bringing at least a Cream Cheese container. [email protected]. ¼ to ½ inch up the side. That will 5 packages (8 oz. each) Neufchatel keep any of the mixture from oozing cheese out. Put aside. 1 cup sugar A LOOK AT THE WEATHER

in ‘06, 0.08 in ‘05 and 0.77 in ‘04). The temperatures were about April 2009 saw average temper- There was 2.9 inches of snow (7.0 in average for May. The high tempera- atures and below average precipita- ‘08, trace in ‘07, 10.2 in ‘06, no ture for May was 78 on the 26th (70 tion. The high temperature for the snow in ‘05 and 8.7 in ‘04). Kenni- on May 28, ‘08, 74 on May 25, ‘07 cott had 0.50 inches of liquid and month was 64 on the 30th (59 on and 76 on May 26, ‘06). The low 4.5 inches of snow. Apr. 27, ‘08, 56 on Apr. 22, ‘07 and temperature was 23 on the 18th (22 50 on Apr. 22, ‘06). The low was 0 The total snowfall at McCarthy on May 19, ‘08, 24 on May 8, ‘07 on the 1st (0 on Apr. 18, ‘08, -4 on for ‘08-‘09 was 121.3 inches (73.4 and 24 on May 17, ‘06).The May av- Apr. 2, ‘07 and 0 on Apr. 1, ‘06). in ‘07-‘08, 44.7 in ‘06-‘07, 84.0 in erage temperature was 47.2, this The average temperature for April ‘05-‘06, 79.4 in ‘04- ‘05, 110.6 in compares with 44.8 in ‘08, 45.5 in was 34.0, compared to 34.1 in ‘08, ‘03-‘04, 46.0 in ‘02-‘03, 74.2 in ‘01- ‘07, 45.0 in ‘06, 48.8 in ‘05, 49.3 in 34.4 in ‘07, 33.1 in ‘06 and 37.4 in ‘02, 85.2 in ‘00-’01, 65.8 in ‘99-‘00 ‘04 and 44.4 in ‘03. There were 3 ‘05. The lowest average tempera- and 38.9 in ‘98-‘99). Kennicott had days with a high of 70 or above and tures for April were 22.4 in 1972 127.3 inches of snow (79.7 in ‘07- 3 days with the low of 25 or lower. and 24.7 in 1986. Kennicott had a ‘08, 60.0 in ‘06-‘07 and 96.9 in ‘05- Kennicott had a high of 74 on the high of 58, low of 7 and an average ‘06). 25th and 26th , a low of 30 on the of 34.6. McCarthy started April with 25 19th and an average temperature of The precipitation for April was inches of snow on the ground and 47.3. about average with 0.20 inches of ended the month with 2 inches of The May precipitation at McCa- liquid (0.50 in ‘08, 0.01 in ‘07, 1.14 snow. rthy was about average with 0.86 PAGE 34 WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 inches of liquid. This compares with The first third of June was warm temperatures should be back by the 0.12 inches in ‘08, 2.50 inches in and sunny with highs in the high end of August, although they can be ‘07, 0.47 inches in ‘06, 1.64 inches 70's to low 80's. The lows were most- observed at any time. Average in ‘05 and 1.05 inches in ‘04. There ly in the upper 30's. There was only monthly rainfall is about 2 inches was a trace of snow on May 15th. a trace of rain. (June-August). Hidden Lake should Kennicott had 1.45 inches of liquid. Summer should be in full swing empty sometime in July, with a rap- The ice on the West Fork of the by late June. June and July are the id rise of the water level in the Ken- Kennicott River began to break warmest months with the highs usu- nicott River and some possible flooding. The first snow usually ar- apart around April 28th and water ally in the low 80s. The temperature rives sometime in late September. was moving over the top. The river begins to cool in August with highs only getting into the low 70s. The ENJOY THE SUMMER WHAT- was clear of moving ice by May 3rd and all the shore ice was gone by all time high recorded at McCarthy EVER THE WEATHER! was 87 on June 21, 1991. Freezing May 6th . FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Time to Seize this Opportunity

regulations that guide park man- ed by these issues promises to agement and to do so in a way lead to better long term solutions ince coming to the Cop- that responds to the real world to many challenges facing the Sper River Basin in No- needs of the McCarthy – Kenne- community and park. vember 2006 I have had cott community. And, do this Visitation to Wrangell St Elias the opportunity to meet and de- with existing budget and staff. National Park and Preserve in the velop relationships with many indi- There is no detailed cookbook in McCarthy /Kennecott area in- viduals in the McCarthy – the NPS for how to manage a Na- creased 25% between 2007 and Kennecott community. These re- tional Park in all situations. The 2008, a big jump in one year. Visi- lationships have led me to a better NPS is learning more about man- tors are enthralled with the natural understanding of many issues that aging ANILCA parks every day. In wonders, historic treasures, and affect both the local people and situations where laws, regulations self-reliant pioneers who live in the park. Some of these issues and policies are ambiguous or ap- communities encircled by the park. have been easily resolved while pear to conflict, I may need to More and more people will be at- others remain more challenging. make a judgment call. I rely on tracted to our area, and this in- In all cases, the dialogue has been your input in order to make an creased visitation, over time, will add to the variety and complexity of indispensable in helping me un- informed decision. derstand the concerns of the indi- our opportunities and challenges as Some of our decisions signifi- we move forward. We need to antic- vidual and community as a whole. cantly affect people, and this cre- ipate and address many of these be- I have become aware of the chal- ates high emotional stakes in the fore they become a crisis. We lenges facing people who live, outcome of the decision. Deci- need to expand the dialogue, with work and recreate in a remote lo- sions, where the management park and community in tandem, and cation within the park. The chal- guidance appears conflicted and engage with one another year lenges of running a business, the stakes are high, are the most round. Let’s expand our collabora- working and living in this beauti- difficult to make. These decisions tion with one another, and institu- ful land are not for the faint of are also the ones that generate tionalize a deliberative process as heart. the most public controversy. The decisions critical to us all are made. As superintendent of an ANIL- park has worked with the McCa- We are now at a crossroads, fac- CA park and the largest park in rthy-Kennecott community on sev- ing both challenge and opportunity. the U.S., I also face challenges. eral issues in recent months. I I extend my hand – let’s face them One of the primary challenges is have made decisions that have not together. in finding creative yet legal ways been embraced by all involved. to meet the intent of the laws and However, the discussion generat- WRANGELL ST. ELIAS NEWS JULY & AUGUST 2009 PAGE 35 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR May 15, 2009 May 23, 2009 is certainly different than Texas, my Dear Publisher: I believe my subscription is due home state. There were so many In accordance with your good for renewal and I have enclosed my things to do during the week I was advice (stated on the coupon includ- check for $14.00. there...cleaning salmon, watching ed in the recent issue), I have at- I have enjoyed receiving my the parade and games, visiting Ken- tached the coupon and our check in newsletter since I had the opportu- nicott. the amount of $25.00 for another nity to visit you fine folks in McCa- I so enjoyed the free dinner, two year subscription to your WSEN rthy Alaska last year. Batten down concert and Sunday service at the paper. the hatches —as I’m coming again McCarthy-Kennicott Community Thank you for your good work in the first of July. I will be staying Church. I am returning for this producing an interesting and infor- with my brother and sister-in-law, year’s events! mative publication. Tom and Mary Golden. I’m prepar- I am particularly excited about Sincerely, ing you all to brace yourself for an “The Alaska Awakening” at the invasion of the Golden’s. Community Church with more activ- Donald & Judy Morfield I’m looking forward to spending ities this year. I understand it will Anchorage, AK. some quality time at the Mercantile, be July 2-5. I can hardly wait. May 27, 2009 my namesake—the New Golden Sa- I hope to meet each of you per- Thank you for the great articles loon. sonally for all the events. I particu- in every single issue! I always learn See you soon, larly enjoy praising our Lord God something new (or several things) Bill Golden, Neenah, WI. through song!! and the recipes continue to be so See you there! And thank you, good. June 4, 2009 Kyan Kirby, Millerview, TX Katharine LaForest, Anchorage, Thank you so much for my July AK. 4, 2008, grand time in McCarthy! It

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