October 1957
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October 1, 1957 Tuesday
Dear Mother,
Bill brought home a nice, long, newsy letter to me tonight. You haven’t had much chance to miss Carolyn too much as you’ve been so busy with your work and seeing Charlie the rest of the time and keeping him from getting too lonesome. I think he’s so nice to fix up and modernize the kitchen for her – what a lucky girl she’s to have her husband do that while she’s away. I know she’ll be very pleased and thrilled when she sees it. I haven’t had – even a postcard – from her, but I’m glad she wrote Charlie and hope she’ll tell me all the news after she gets back.
Charlie’s weight disturbs me too. He just rushes too much and should try to relax for 15 minutes before and after eating – so should you! No, I am not gaining weight, I don’t crave sweets any more and have so much more exercise walking etc. – here that I’ve lost one inch around my waist!
The bread I baked yesterday was really delicious. Mrs. Vanover, Jo Anne over at the farm stopped by the other evening to invite me to the stainless steel party (I told you) and I had just taken my bread out of the oven. She has baked bread since a child and promised to help me. She came over Saturday and told me she was about to ‘knead’ hers and would I like to watch. I gladly went over and learned quite a few tricks. It’s hard to learn by yourself and is much easier when I’ve seen it done. She gave me her recipe and it’s easier and far less complicated! She has the most magnificent view from her kitchen window of the stream, fields with horses grazing (and a new Shetland pony) and the mountains beyond covered with snow. She says she loves her house (they built it and it’s really nice) and the site. They have 50 acres. She’s very easy to talk to and an energetic, little person full of interests and enthusiasm – very down-to-earth and natural.
She stopped by the other day when I was trying her recipe – she never drops by but I had invited her little girl over and she came to get her – she’s a busy bee (the mother) – and helped me with my bread. It really turned out good and we ate one loaf (warm) for dinner! The children adore it and it’s good! (I wasn’t kneading it nearly enough before).
We’ve had heavy frost since Sunday night and ice has formed on all the puddles and around the stream – it doesn’t melt during the day either. Sheets of ice and icicles hang around the stream from the tree branches where the water has splashed. The ground is frozen hard now but still it doesn’t feel cold – really! So invigorating, clear and brisk. It was 28° this morning and John wore the red mittens and cap you made him and a sweater under his heavy jacket. They love the weather and get a big kick out of the ice.
Poor little Sharon developed ‘their bug’ last night. She ran a high fever and vomited. Finally I took her to bed with me to keep her warm and she woke up on and off all night. Her fever is down tonight but I’ll keep her in all week now! The others are fine – knock on wood!
Poor John – they’re so far ahead here in school. We’re having to help him to catch up at home and I’ll see he’s up to everyone in class soon. Boy, Linda knows more now than the 53d graders in California! They also believe in corporal punishment and tolerate no nonsense. They both love school though, and mind their teachers and seem to get along fine with the other children.
I’m going to close and try to get my hair shampooed. Much love and “Hi” to Charlie, we loved his letter, Mildred
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October 5, 1957 Saturday – Personal
Dear Mother,
Here it’s 10:00 already and I was hoping to leave for town by ten – it will be noon before I go! Oh well, at least I can get some looking done. We have to get a few things before the snow flies.
John and Linda must get snow shoes (rather buckle over-shoes, you remember, like what we used to wear!) and I must get some long underwear for both of them and one more sweater and pair of warm pants for Linda. Cindy has positively outgrown her coat and so has Sharon. But we’ve decided to get snow suits in place of coats, as they really won’t have much need for coats in the winter here. We’ll wait for these though a few more weeks.
We also need some snow tires for the car right away – we already have anti-freeze in it, got it in just in time too!
I swear we could spend a few hundred today on necessary warm clothing but will have to do it gradually. I’m sure thankful for my old ski jacket and their few warm clothes. Oh, I also have to get John a warm parka today (his is just threadbare and too light) and Bill has to get one too.
He borrowed a few hundred from the credit union yesterday – we had no choice, really and we also refinanced the car so our payments will be $40 per month instead of $75.
We’ve really been tight here believe me. Our rent is high and so is electricity and we’ve already bought fuel and food (I really don’t waste a penny and we eat hamburg [sic] until it comes out our ears). It only costs .59 a pound and is really good and I try to buy it at sale for .49 per pound and freeze it. Then we have hamburg and gravy and onions, hamburgers, casserole, meat loaf, etc.
Well, this extra cash will help now but makes more payments. If we could only get some $ back for our damages it would help some. Yesterday I took down several hems in Cindy’s dresses and now she can wear these for Sunday school. They’re 4 and she wears 5 but will be wearing warm pants and overalls around house anyways.
Already Linda says only a few of the girls wear dresses to school. It gets so cold in the winter they all wear pants and sweaters, I guess!
Everything outdoors is frozen solid and ground, etc. of course the ice hasn’t really formed on ponds etc., just on edges. It’s hard to believe because it just does not feel cold out. The children love this weather too and don’t complain about the cold at all.
Bill says he wants to go to dump now and I must get busy if I am going anywhere. Hope there’s a letter from you – it means so much to hear from you!!!!! Please accept this check – I only wish it were larger. I’m depending on you to cash it and will send more later.
I only told you about clothes etc. so you’d know why we can’t send more BUT I do want to pay you something or we’ll never get it paid. Damn money anyways!!! Thanks again for the loan and wish it could all be paid off – all the more reason for me to write, isn’t it? Love, Mildred
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October 7, 1957 Monday
Dear Mom,
It’s 3:45 now and children get home from school around 4:00 so I’ll write until then. We just got home from Palmer – Matanuska Valley. Mrs. Vanover came over this morning and said she had to drive in this afternoon and would I like to go along for the ride. We only made one stop and it took 1 ½ hours over and back – not bad.
Such a gorgeous ride – I’d never tire of the scenery – and it’s especially beautiful this time of year. Jo Anne Vanover was born in Alaska and lived in Palmer on a homestead farm until her marriage. She showed me where they lived – a beautiful farm – with a view, she says she still gets homesick for – of Pioneer Mountain, this massive mountain across from the Knik River. This mountain and its range is so enormous that there’s snow and frost and ice there now because of its shade.
I’ve a new Waterman fountain pen fro 2.50 and I’m having a terrible time using one after so long!
Jo Anne adores Alaska!!! She has been to the states for several visits but loves it here. Told me about marvelous times she had in school years – ice skating parties, tobogganing – out door cooks, even in winter etc.
Quite to the contrary Saturday a woman at the store was buying oodles of summer materials, in readiness for her trip to Florida in the spring! Her husband is stationed here and his time will be up then and they’re planning to move to Florida! She HATES it here and told me morbid stories of the terrible winters!! I admit it sounds awful when she told it and Jo Anne and Janie say nonsense – so I’ll see for myself. Just as we said before we had to come here to see for ourselves!! Everybody has something different to say about it.
I have so much to tell you I hardly no where to begin – so seeing I’m starting with today, I’ll work backwards.
Poor Jo Anne – she had to go to Palmer to get a case of penicillin for the baby pigs have pneumonia. Her husband just recently went to Canada to purchase 500 baby pigs – it took him six weeks and the trip proved expensive. She says things have been fine till they started to trust their foreman with responsibilities. She says as long as her husband, John, looked after things and always told others exactly what to do – everything was alright but then they’ve hired this foreman and he lives on the property, rent free, has pay plus $25 for every pig slaughtered etc. as incentives. HE neglected to bed them properly when the cold weather struck. It’s a contagious pig pneumonia and 12 died last night. Over one hundred have died so far and she and John are sick!
I know what you mean about doing work yourself!
Well, I could fill pages telling you about their troubles and the beauty of our ride but too much to tell so I’ll go on!
* Children are home and playing now – John and Linda excited today because there was a Moose along side the bus on the way home!
Poor little Cindy is sick now! Honestly!! She complained of a headache this morning and I thought it peculiar because she has never before mentioned her head hurting and when we got home she said it again – she felt feverish, so I put her to bed. She just now woke up and must have 104° – that quick! The head-ache makes me suspicious of Asiatic Flu, I dread it!!
Yesterday I went in to doctor because I woke up with terrible pains in my chest and lower throat. He said O.K. and must be muscular. I had no fever and otherwise felt fine! Last night I was in agony – every time I moved the pain was agonizing. I went to bed and put lots of Ben Gay on and hot water bottle and it’s better today – much better.
I almost didn’t go today but she put heater on in car and I never got out!
Your letter today was funny and your warning, but two days too late and I have learned! Saturday I wore the V-neck blouse you gave me under my suit and that V is where I hurt! I just plain caught cold – muscular – or otherwise in my chest! A lesson learned, I hope!
Honestly we’re having the most beautiful weather – every day is perfect. The sky for over ten days now has been blue early morning and is that way until dark! The air is like wine and the sun is hot! It’s deceiving and lots of people were parkas but I get too hot!
A man at the hospital said he’s been here since 1938 and said it used to be 30 below in October. He also said that in all these years he’s never been sick in the winter – only when the weather is warm. He says the winters have been getting more and more milder here!
I certainly like this time of year anyways – it’s truly wonderful but I would like to freeze the ‘germs and bugs’. All last week I had a D – infected finer and kept thinking I’d have to go to doctor but kept putting it off. Finally it got better. I soaked it Thursday when it got real bad in Hot Epsom salts over and over and it improved. I was so glad as I didn’t want to spend the $ and then yesterday I went to the doctor for nothing.
I had the dopiest goopiest doctor and he acted as if I was making up the hurt. I would’ve done better to have stayed home!
Yesterday on the way home from Anchorage we stopped by to see one of the men at Bill’s office and his wife (expecting second baby in December) who are building a nice little house on government land – (homesite 2 ½ acres). It’s taken them three years and they just moved in in July but is nice and is paid for. She’s very reserved and quiet from Canada, a Registered Nurse! We only stayed a few minutes! As her baby was sick, didn’t even get the children out of the car.
Bill says there’s another man and wife (guy at office too) who are building garage first and plan to move in soon and spend winter there – still no well, no electricity and only wood stove. They say can use rent towards house if they move in. I haven’t met them but Bill likes him and wants to visit them sometime. They have no children and wife works as secretary – can you imagine the winter they’ll have? I tell you people up here are still pioneering!
Haven’t seen Janie or Scotty lately. Bill enjoyed luncheon and said he saw art exhibit of this couple and they’re tremendous – he said best he has ever seen!
Janie and Scotty are busy painting their bedrooms now. She isn’t a visitor or a ‘dropper inner’ and neither is Jo Anne.
Tomorrow night is P.T.A. again and I’ll let you know how children are getting along! I’m gong with Jo Anne and a friend. I like and get along so well with everyone here, it’s already home – how can it be so? I never liked the ones in Altadena or Glendora or felt that way. These people are real, interesting, alive, wholesome, vivid, ambitious – each in their own way and I like them all!!
Let’s see – what else do I have to tell you? Saturday I stopped down at Eagle River to see what Bea in the Department store here has? She and her husband have this store, their son is in John’s grade at school and I like to trade there, if possible. Her things are good, very reasonable and I like to give them the business plus it helps promote these stores and they’re a Godsend to us who live out here!
Guess what? I never went to town at all and was all dressed up for nothing. I bought John a heavy Arctic parka plus fur hood that can be turned into collar by unzipping it, really nice, a slate blue, for only 10.98.
Linda’s is beautiful – I almost didn’t get it because it has white fur cuffs but couldn’t resist and it’s washable. It’s turquoise blue, also heavy, nylon quilted inside, hood too, lined with white fur which also converts into collar – it’s darling, darling – I love it and it’s pretty enough for her to wear to town or Sunday school. Actually I’m told everything stays clean and bright in snow. She thinks it’s pretty and looked pretty in it yesterday!
I got Bill 3 flannel “White King’ plaid shirts 3.98 each – reasonable? Well, she just had such nice things – it’s all on one floor and amazing she has so much – I just bought there. I didn’t get anything for me yet as I can get by for now and Cindy and Sharon will wait a few more weeks.
I’m writing now, sitting on Cindy’s bed – her cheeks are flushed – poor darling!
It’s close to 5:30 now – I’ve been up and down with this letter.
We’re having corned beef for dinner – are you? I put it on before I went to Palmer and prepared vegetables and set table, so it’s almost ready – smells good. I just made a mix cake but want to clean up before Bill gets home.
Oh, Mom, I’ll be so glad when you’ve seen all this with your own eyes. It’s all so hard to describe to you – the house, the place and all. It’s really so foreign and different but I do like it here. Sometimes it seems strange – I realize how far away I am and I wish you were here always but I don’t ever want to live in California again – I wish everyone were here but I bet they wouldn’t like it. In fact, I bet they’d be like the woman packing to go to Florida but it’s good everyone doesn’t like the same place or what would happen to the U.S.?
Right now the sun is starting to set and the sky is beautiful! Here I can’t even worry as much over sickness. I have more faith in God and prayers here – I feel so close to him, living in the woods in this beauty of His then ever before.
Cindy will keep warm and we’ll chase this old bug out with all the others. I’ll write tomorrow to let you know how she is! Love, Me. P.S. I love you Mother, dear!
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Hi again
Just frosted the cake and was reminded me [sic] of Sharon’s cuteness. She always licks the pan, after the others have had a taste – this is and always has been the privilege of the youngest one! Well, she loves it and often grabs a spoon from the drawer and a towel for over her dress – and sits in her little chair waiting – before I ever finish. Today, she could hardly wait and I had to scold a bit and she sobbed and said “But Mommy, I love cake.” Cute!
She thinks my aprons are bibs! She doesn’t wear real bibs any more – but the cute aprons you bought, and calls them BIBS so thinks mine are bibs. Last night I felt so awful, Bill helped me and wore his B.B.Q. apron for fun and Sharon said “Oh, Daddy has a bib too!”
She talks so well now and says everything! I must jot cuties down from time to time.
I’d like to give all the children a Halloween party and May! What do you think? It could be a mixed age group and would be fun for them!
Cindy’s here on couch, watching Mickey Mouse with the others.
You know I wish I had been a hostess for several years – it would have been fun and really fine for me! They’re telling about it on Mickey Mouse – think of all the travel I could have gotten free? Still want to see the world – as much as I like Alaska. Maybe in two years we could travel more and then come back here, so much I want to do and see – oh my!!!
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October 8, 1957 Tuesday 2:00 P.M.
Hi Mom,
I promised you a note today to tell you how Cindy is. Right now she’s busily devouring her lunch and asking if she can have more. So as you can see – she is better!! But she still says her head hurts and complains of a stomach ache. I’ve kept her in bed all morning and she has been an angel! I think I’ll have her completely checked over after she gets over this!
Today is another gorgeous day – which makes almost two weeks of perfect weather. You’ll find it hard to believe but our thermometer, which Mrs. Spoerry left here and which is very reliable says 60°. It’s colder in the shade, but that’s pretty warm for October in Alaska!!!
My Alaska scrapbook is really getting full-up-to-date clippings from Anchorage newspaper and my own remarks and write-ups of trips etc. The newspaper here carries all kinds of articles etc. on Alaska. You never saw such a newspaper. We really enjoy it but if you weren’t an Alaskan fan you wouldn’t.
I feel alot better today but my chest still hurts – but not the way it did. Today I put Bill’s heavy wool shirt on even though it felt warm.
I’ve been going to ask you each time I write and always forget. Would you make up a box of geranium, succulent etc. clippings by Air Mail. I think they will keep without water that long as it only takes two to three days. My plants aren’t doing well and they’re 89¢ a piece here – for tiny plants of ivy. Next summer you can bring me all kinds of things on the plane. Why, I could have brought boxes of plants – even those big ones and it wouldn’t have mattered. Everyone around her has lots of plants in their houses, just like you used to in Mass.
Janie has some beauties! Including many tropical ones. We have nice wide window sills in our living room and dining room just perfect for plants – if I only had some! They have some of those pretty ‘African Violets’ at the store and I’ve been tempted to try some – until I look at the price tag.
You’ve done so much work there on that yard, I wish it were a place of your own. But look at us – we worked hard on our own and never enjoyed it as much as you have yours!
Has Carolyn arrived home yet? I’m anxious to hear all the news. Did you get a card? Well, I’m glad she went and hope she won’t miss them too much now.
The High School bus just went by. Now that the trees are bare I can see up to the road. We saw the High School Sunday when we went to town. It’s bigger and more modern than any I’ve ever seen. It’s light green stucco and really beautiful. It’s so enormous I’m sure we can’t get it all in the picture! That’s another thing I like about it here. Everything new is really tremendous! They have everything nice that really matters.
Some difference. Yesterday Jo Anne pointed out her first school – a one room log cabin in Matanuska Valley! Just think what changes the next 50 years will bring! Oh, I wish I were going to live forever, so as to see the changes to take place here in Alaska!
Time for their naps now and much to do this afternoon. This is just a note – but much love goes along with it. Mildred
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October 14, 1957 Monday
Dear Mother,
It’s 4:30 and I have a little time – I should spend it on ironing and was about to set up my ironing board and do some, when I scolded myself and told myself I’d done enough today already and just because for once I had dinner ready early did I have to work all the time?? Anyways, here I am and decided to rest a few minutes and relax while writing to you.
I am so far behind in my work, due to last week. I sent you the notice from school telling you it was closed until today. It turned out to be a good thing as I got sick the next day and the children have all been sick. Asiatic Flu – who knows?? I had a high fever, head-ache, nauseau [sic] and chills – it only lasted one afternoon and night, but I felt weak afterwards and didn’t even try to accomplish anything. At least I got rested. The children had something similar but are fine now!!
We had our first light snow fall Friday. It was really pretty out afterwards as it was a wet snow and clung to the trees. It’s still scattered around and we’re due to have more tomorrow! Bill got my skiis [sic] out and I’m going to sand them tonight. I can hardly wait to try them. Bill says they’re going to give ski lessons on the base – wonder how much $. Sure would like to take some. Ordered some grey wool gabardine ski pants and boots from catalog so will be all set!
Bill ordered a parka with fur lined hood and some other necessary items.
Saturday I spent all day shopping in Anchorage. (give up once again on my new fountain pen – it’s so slow!) I didn’t get in town until 11:00 and the time flew. I had so much to do. They have some large department stores – very nice – but the stores vary so in price on same item!!! – it’s amazing!
I went in one store – a kind of Grant’s with a lot of 5 and 10 items and some clothing. I saw a real nice warn snow suit for Sharon but it was only 9.99 for jacket and pants and I was skeptical it was so reasonable but was so cute and warm I got it – later I saw the exact same one, color and all for 13.99 – then in Mountain View – a small town outside of Anchorage – I stopped at a department store there and it was 18.95. Isn’t that something? I’m sure lad I’m a shopper and know value, it comes in handy here.
I had to get snow boots for all children – expensive! I got the cheaper ones we had so many to buy but man told me they were just as warm as the fur lined ones. They’re insulated with fur around cuffs. Linda’s outfit is really beautiful, Turquoise jacket white fur cuffs and white fur lined hood. Her boots are white and white fur tops. I’ve sent for brown pants as I couldn’t find what I liked!
Poor Cindy still doesn’t have a suit as they were too expensive – 18.00 up! I’ve also sent to Wards’ for hers – it will be bright red. Her boots are red plus red fur, red mittens etc.
The temperature fell low today but it just doesn’t feel cold. I think dressing for it makes the difference – these clothes are really warm!!
Mom, I keep forgetting to send you measurements or else they’re sick. I will do so tonight I promise you. Honestly, though the house is warm enough inside. Then outside they will wear their snow suits and they’re Arctic wear really warm plus fur hoods so they don’t need knit wear.
They will even wear here fur lined gloves – leather ones. I already have these and two pairs mittens apiece. I bought scarfs [sic] etc. Saturday. They have beautiful things here and the Sears and Ward Catalogs are especially made for Alaska!!
I just don’t need hand knits – turtle neck orlons for the girls are fine under their pants but you can buy such darling things. Send me some patterns and let’s decide before we go to a lot of work. Today Linda was one of three girls in class to wear a dress, so don’t buy her any skirts or dresses. I almost feel as if I shouldn’t get her wool skirt and jumper but I am for Sunday school. I’m told it really gets cold – really!!
I need so much and haven’t bought a thing for myself yet. Today, for fun, I made a list of what I need and oh, my! I’m afraid my ward-robe is Southern California definitely and will have to go through a gradual change.
I met Janie and Katie for lunch at 2:30. I had a 30¢ bowl of soup – hamburgers are 85¢!! Then we window-shopped. Katie needed a winter coat and bought a beautiful black virgin wool. I fell in love with it and would have been tempted if she hadn’t bought it! It was plain but so stylish and could be worn for dress or otherwise. I will have to buy a warm coat soon, oh for the $ to buy a fur coat, it would be really warm here.
Now that it’s colder out the men and women in the city are wearing all kinds and type of clothing! It’s really interesting to see. There are some truly expensive and very beautiful parkas sold here made b the eskimoes [sic] up North. They’re all fur and have cut out border design on the bottoms of bears, moose etc. the eyes are beaded etc. I would love one if I had everything I needed and lots of $. I saw several of these being worn, fur coats, beautiful tweed wool suits, women dressed to the T with fur hats, gloves, etc. and others in slacks and parkas!
I was in the shoe store buying ‘boots’ and looked up to see two beautifully, stylish, attractive, well dressed women in suits, hats, gloves etc. Much to my surprise, it was Janie and Katie whom I was to meet t 2:30! They have true style. We spent about one hour window shopping. I had so much real business to do I didn’t truly enjoy it and Janie is quite different when dressed up and in town (Rather affective!). Katie is nice and looks a little like Anne could. Tall, slim, long hair, well dressed but stands so tall and straight and feminine with long hair. Very sweet, pretty face but could be Anne’s sister. I never noticed the resemblance before.
According to Scotty, she’s married to someone like Bud too! They have two children and she almost supports them. He’s a writer and designer – commercial of some kind, free lance but also a dreamer! They have just bought a house in Anchorage (thanks to her, I guess) and now they’re (or her) tearing down a wall between living room and garage, in order to convert garage into living room and current living room into dinging room – two steps down. Imagine, she works all day as private secretary and then does this at night. Gets three or four hours sleep, according to Janie! Scotty evidently thinks she’s efficient and smart but a FOOL and thinks her husband is lazy. Janie is very close to Katie, though.
It makes me miss you and Carolyn so much. How I wished I were to meet you two for lunch. I must make myself get out and meet more women! We’re hoping to go square dancing Wednesday night. I don’t know anyone but Jo Anne, Janie and Katie.
After wasting one hour with them, I shopped ‘til 6:00 and was so tired – then had to drive home alone. It’s pitch black here now at 5:30 and I was a little wary but knew I’d have to sooner or later. There isn’t a light for 12 miles, unless another car. Fine as long as I don’t get a flat!! Well, I did have one reward – I saw the Northern Lights! I was driving in total darkness and saw the most gorgeous sight ahead of me – it was like a brilliantly lit stairway to heaven. Have you ever seen one? It was my first and took me a minute to realize what it was. It’s quite a common sight here, we’re told – certainly a wondrous one!
Bill was glad to see me and so were the children and thrilled over their new things. (Sure cost a fortune!!) Good thing I didn’t start buying these real expensive snow suits they have. Theirs are beautiful and just as warm.
(I saw a woman’s just like Linda’s in town $29.95). When I go to town like this or Bill is late – we just wait – no phone! I do have neighbors’ phone numbers and in case of severe emergency could and would call them!
Bill is due home now. So I’ll close when he gets here. Carolyn got home safely. Enjoyed your sending me news! A shame about Flossie – she certainly has had an unhappy time with her children. How rude too – why, it was terrible! Bet Carolyn enjoyed seeing and visiting with her sister and children. Hope she’ll find (time?) to write us about it soon.
Bill is home – no mail tonight and I’m going to stop writing letters (except to you, my faithful correspondent) and write on ‘you know what’ instead!
I’m going to have to go to store, so will close for now. I have meat loaf in oven and baked bread today. Much easier now. I ‘whip it up’ before I do breakfast dishes and then let it rise during day and bake in the afternoon. Will cook it for you next summer. Thanks for your recent long letter – thanks, thanks, thanks for a wonderful Mother! Much love, Mildred
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October 16, 1957 Wednesday
Hi Mom!
This is just a note to inclose [sic] with another Chugiak paper I’m sending you for FUN! It’s a second copy and you’re to keep it!
I’m ‘knee deep’ literally in work today and must only take a minute to write you today – last letter I wrote took one hour and it’s easy for me to do!
My ironing has always been a problem, as you can well remember. Yesterday I decided something really had to be done about it as I stuffed a second bag full. So today – I got to it immediately at 8:00 and here it’s 1:15 P_.M. and I just now am getting to the breakfast dishes! But one bag is gone anyways.
Yesterday I cleaned all day long – the house was so dirty after our being sick and now it’s a mess again. Woes of housework!
The children came home from school bearing P.T.A. notices – the make up meeting. I was totally unprepared to go out as my hair was in need of a shampoo and I had to go to the market but decided to go anyways. I did want to check on children’s progress. Later Jo Anne came over and invited me to go with her and later still Janie came over. So we all went and two of Jo Anne’s friends. We enjoyed it very much and Mrs. Pottel – across the bridge – sat next to me. ‘Old home week’.
Alot of subjects came up – but anyways, I am new room mother for John’s class with Jo Anne! We’re to plan a Halloween party and serve! John will be pleased.
Bill and I — I elected him – are on a committee to show and plan films at the school every other Friday night all winter. They had it last year and it was an enormous success. They use this beautiful, large, multi-purpose school room (auditorium, gym, etc.) – it helps keep teen agers [sic] amused Friday nights – good idea, I think! All are welcome. They needed someone who goes to Anchorage to get films there so I volunteered. I think Bill was pleased. They also have a complete Alaskan film service. John’s teacher’s husband also runs a complete film library – his job before teaching – and showed several last night. One was a Greyhound Bus one about the country in U.S. – plot – two girls, one a school teacher crossing country on vacation together, school teacher writing Masters thesis on U.S. – they meet soldier and cowboy – teacher falls in love and marries cowboy. Good too! Other was put on by Richfield Oil and was on California.
We had coffee and cake. School nurse gave a talk on services and health service here too! Didn’t get home until 11:30 – these Alaskan P.T.A. meetings run late.
People are so nice – friendly and not hicks by any means.
Tonight we’re hoping to go to square dance class in Anchorage IF our baby sitter can come. Bill will check on way home – not having telephone, you know! It will be fun and hope to go every week –
Tomorrow night Bill is going to attend Engineer’s Meeting in Anchorage. I’ve invited Janie over to keep me company but if she can’t come I won’t mind staying alone. We’re about the only ones in Eagle River who even lock their doors!! Really and we had to buy a lock for our door as there wasn’t even one on it. I don’t worry here at all – now that I know people. It’s dark and lovely, no street lights at all but I’m less afraid than in Glendora.
It has warmed up again – up to 40° and the snow forecast turned to rain. This isn’t bad at all and really is warm out. Next, we’ll have it but snow and cold weather is late this year.
Heard on radio that the suspending bridge across River on Alaska Highway – cost millions of dollars, built during World War II by Army Engineers is collapsing due to rain, one anchors giving way. Last broadcast said the whole thing was due to collapse any minute – isn’t that dreadful? Remember how I feared that bridge and Bill laughed. Canada has sent ferry to ferry cars across!
[Linda note: My mother was terrified of bridges. Her palms would drip with sweat. Elsewhere in her writings she refers to ‘that bridge’ – evidently something from her childhood but she never describes what happened.]
Will write in few days. Love, Love! Me
P.S. We’re all well!! Please take care! We’re planning next summer.
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October 18, 1957 Friday
Dear Mother,
Yesterday we walked to mailbox for the first time in ages due to sickness etc. and thank you, thank you, for your kindness and thoughtfulness. I received a nice long letter and Cindy and Sharon were thrilled by your Halloween package, and so were the other children when they arrived home from school. Thanks from them too!!
I still haven’t decided about giving them a party – but we will use the colorful tablecloth and decorations ourselves anyways – and think of you while using them. Our correspondence helps keep the children close to you and the miles between seem few when we write often. I wish Carolyn would understand but I will not write again, as I wrote at least once while she was back East and as yet, it remains unanswered. I’d still have no news of her trip if you hadn’t written.
I’m sorry Charles has been sick and hope he’s better now. The rainy California weather doesn’t help either.
I guess we brought California weather – minus smog, with us. We had those few days of cold, ice and snow flurry I told you about and that’s ALL. Then it turned warm 40° to 45¢ and rained! Yesterday the sun was out and we were [sic] parkas and were far too warm. I will be glad when it snows! Everyone now dresses for winter but it’s more like spring weather – the dirt road was muddy yesterday and miserable. We came back through a short cut in the woods and it was much better. If we had a bridge over the creek I wouldn’t have had to go to road at all. As it was I had to pass Briggs’ house across the creek. They’re very nice neighbors. He’s the builder that built our house etc. I know I’ve told you about him. They came to call one night just as we were leaving to see ‘Pride and Passion’ and only stayed a few minutes. I’ve been meaning to invite them over ever since. Yesterday presented a marvelous opportunity as we walked right past their house – so I did. She’s a woman about 45 and both she and her husband are energetic and just very nice. She was sewing at her machine and we didn’t go in as muddy and our dogs were barking at each other. She was pleased and accepted so I’m going to bake an apple pie and have ice cream.
It will be nice – I do get lonesome. Yesterday I hurried to get my housework done so we could go to walk. Vacced etc. and left at 10:00 – walked to mail box and back and was a let down! So wished you (or Carolyn) were coming to visit!! As I walked by Janie’s she invited me in for coffee and the girls played with Kim, her 3 year old girl. We only stayed about twenty minutes as she got up late and hadn’t started her house work. I showed her the table cloth and stencils you sent as she said it reminded her of her mother. She too, writes regularly and is always sending little things.
Her folks are in Spain – where her Dad is working for several years. She showed me some beautiful hand-made clothes for Kim she sent and very different, unusually dressed dolls (only to look at) she also sent. Cindy stayed and played twenty minutes, much to her delight!!! It’s her first time to play there and they had fun. Janie is very strict and Kim is beautifully behaved. She says she likes Kim to play with our children, they’re so well-behaved! Golly, they have been good too! Even Scotty remarks that you’d never know four children live here! – a compliment coming from HIM.
John is especially grown up. His teachers say he’s doing well but to keep helping him at home until he catches up. They’re counting and writing to 1000 now – same as third grade article you sent me!
Thanks for articles, very interesting. Still haven’t started your photo album but still hope to get it in time for Xmas.
Speaking of Xmas – I have in mind a present for Bill and me, only, though, if you promise not to send anything else. I saw in the paper that they’re starting a series of concerts – will send you self-explanatory clipping and please send right back. I so want to go. It would be cultural and so uplifting to me but we can’t afford it. Now it would be a wonderful present – if you wouldn’t mind. 8.00 a piece Total 16.00. They start next Friday so if OK with you send check, Air Mail, right back. It wouldn’t be over with right away as they continue into Spring. It’s a saving of 1.00 a piece per concert if we buy season tickets. Please send clipping back with check (that’s if you want to give it to us) so I can bring in with me when I pay! It would also give me an opportunity to get out and dress up.
Have they news of Bridge’s Collapse on Alaska Highway over Peace River, in L.A.’s newspapers? Remember my joking and saying I didn’t want to drive to Alaska because I’d have to go over that suspension bridge? Well!! 2,200 foot Alaska Highway suspension bridge near Taylor, B.C., crashed into Peace River a few days ago. The bridge was left without support when the shale crumbled beneath a 25,000 ton anchor block. The bridge cost 4 million dollars. Says four to five hundred cars usually pass over it a day and now all are stranded. Canada has a ferry crossing now but it only carries two cars and makes five trips a day. Bill says it will be spring before they can build a new one – meanwhile the Highway will be closed after Taylor, I guess. The ferry can’t haul any trailers.
I was going to ask you what your thought of Russian Moon? As Bill says it doesn’t matter where you live – close to Russia or furthest away from it they can reach you in a matter of minutes now!! Hope so for peace – is it possible ever?? I still don’t like living close to Russia! They have cut down so on Military forces and talk now of dismissing for lack of FUNDS the Defense Director here that has accomplished so much. They’ll be sorry – I think our country is wrong! We should put more $ into defense and military and less in foreign aide – or at least less in new cars, new T.V.s and luxury items!!
Who knows? I am no authority but aren’t we leaving ourselves wide open?? What is your opinion.
Look at us – no defense leader and as paper says whole program will ball apart, less military force, and now no Highway! Well at least – Bill is right if there’s ever another war it will be everywhere and I believe that.
I do like it here Mom and I am anxious for you to visit. Don’t let anybody or anything stand in the way! We have a small savings account in Pasadena from Altadena house now and if you don’t have fare we will give you that towards it and take if off our bill. We’re saving it to pay off Dawson and carry a second in future but it’s there and it’s growing and it’s yours to come to us if you don’t have $ by then.
This next year 1958 – no longer, who knows what future will bring. That’s one reason I hope we can go to concert. I too work, work, work and take far too little time for such things. It’s a shame the lack of $ can matter so much – but it can and does!!
This afternoon and this week-end I plan to cut and paste in my books too. I too have inherited ‘the let’s get organized before we can write’ urge and understand perfectly how you feel! I also want to write – who knows, Mom, maybe we will. You must, must and now, now. Do it! It isn’t work – I know – It’s the frosting on the cake and such good $ and that we need.
I’m not dressed yet – children just left and better get going.
You worry me being tired but in a way I’m glad maybe you will be forced into resting. We too are desperately trying to get to bed earlier. I am so tired mornings – Oh, how I hate to get up – 6:00 A.M. and it’s so dark. I’m so cozy and warm. It takes me ages to wake-up and get going! I’m most wide awake at bed-time – If only I could turn things around!
I’m getting after my weight again now. I am up to 160 [mother was 5’6” tall] again and feel it. No walks. I need exercise. I never bake cakes and there’s no bakery at all and I never buy sweets. I just plain need lots of exercise and never to eat any starches or any cookies etc. I still have a bottle of diet pills, hope to use them to good affect.
Please excuse this mess of paper. I do have a new air mail pad but have mislaid it and came across all this old paper and thought I’d just write on it.
Guess I’ll go heat up the coffee and see if I can get waked up for I’ve alot to do!
Miss you, Mom, I really do. Take good care of yourself for your trip next summer. What month do you think would be best. I thought Bill can take his vacation for part of the time and we’ll take some of the trips then we want to take. Hope you won’t mind roughing it abit – sleeping bags etc. I think the complete change would do you wonders. You’ve never really travelled [sic] and you’ve always wanted to and enjoyed it. Please plan on a month. Once you’ve paid your flight there won’t be any more expenses!! That would be one week here – two weeks vacation and one more week here to rest before you return. If only, for once, you could truly leave all of your papers and work behind. Please try – just bring blank papers for writing if you feel the urge. You’ve worked since 1945 – 12 years and three years next summer, without a vacation or change – you deserve it and would return a new person!! Charlie and Carolyn can look after things in payment for all your baby sitting and anyways I know they would want to – you can hire a gardener to water. Oh Mom, I’m serious now. Plan because you and I know how fast time flies. Why, I’ve almost been her three months already and June is only seven months. Any month would be fine with us so long as we know in advance so as to plan Bill’s vacation.
You never mention your car! Do you drive it – and how does it run?
Halloween will soon be here! Remember the party Bill and I had last year and realize how fast time flies and you’ll see why already I talk of your visit!!! Why this last year has simply flown and just think last Halloween we were still just talking about coming here and nobody took us seriously. Why, we only half took it seriously ourselves!!
You’d think ‘the old gang’ would want to write, remembering too? Mom, I am so dissappointed sic] in them. Why, people we knew barely square dancing have written oftener than Carolyn has and the, there’s Diana. I wrote her a real nice letter ages ago and never an answer. We know she could write – not even working!
Well, it makes me all the more glad we came and determined to get out and make new friends here!!
How lonely I would have been without your letters and my thanks from Carolyn for doing so much to make her feel at home when she first came to California and introducing her to everyone so she wouldn’t be lonely. Remember all the time you spent with her when Charlie worked – oh, how can people be like that? I hope our children won’t grow up like that!
Well, share the news with her and Charlie (especially) I don’t care. She won’t change and I no longer look for her letters, it’s up to her!! She and the children will be the losers – not I, really!
As I told her all the time we used to waste on the telephone – remember? Why only 1/100th of that time would write a letter – if she wanted to.
How I’d like to walk now. I think I partly miss fresh air. Our house is stifling – no air unless I open the doors and then the muddy animals run in.
I’m trying to get Time to stay out more – he wants to be in all of the time. He’s so big and such a Baby! He’s sweet, though and we love him!
Must close now, have been writing one hour!!! Will write again Monday. Take care of yourself! We love you! Mildred
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October 20, 1957
Nice spring weather. Yesterday too warm for heavy jackets and today still warm. This weather is sharp contrast to a yr ago when they had 4 ft of snow. Today is clear and lovely. Already it’s pitch black at 5:00 and getting dark at 4:00. But the sun is up and bright at 6:30 so the days don’t seem dark yet.
…Alaska is good for us all. Children have better appetites than ever before – they look and feel better here in this fresh air – we all do!
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October 25, 1957 Friday
Hi Mom,
Thought I’d write you a letter today as I know I won’t have time over the week-end and don’t want to wait too long. I can understand Carolyn’s not having time Saturday and Sunday but there’s no excuse during the week. I think her not writing is as unforgiveable [sic] as Mrs. Lloyd’s not coming down to see us. Carolyn didn’t write when she was back East and I understood this, although if I had been her I would’ve HAD to have, at least, sent a card. But she hasn’t written since! It’s been 6 to 7 weeks now! She is only proving to me how much she doesn’t really care for all of us. She’s also depriving Charlie and Sandra [Mother’s nephew and niece] of communication between their cousins and my brother gets no news this way either. It’s up to HER to keep close to us!
Bill is truly disgusted! And I am MAD and think she’s selfish if nothing else. Even though she evidently dislikes to write letters – her love for me should have prompted her to write me so I wouldn’t be so lonesome. What if I had been terribly unhappy and lonesome here, she wouldn’t have cared.
We were so close and I thought of her as a sister – I’ll never forget this and it will never be the same between us and it isn’t because we moved to Alaska – why, we could have been close through a letter a week, or every two weeks. BUT by coming here I’ve found out how much she really cares and she doesn’t.
When I think of how busy you’ve been and all the things you’ve had on your mind Oh Mother, thank you! Thank you! You show your love! * * *
We’re going to the concert tonight and will pay regular price and you send us presents, it will be better. If you send a check, I’ll tear it up. We may not like it well enough to go to another and if we do, we can attend one more. I’ll let you know and I better go shampoo my hair so it will be dry.
We’re still having that clear, sunny wonderful weather. Yesterday the temperature was about 40°, a little snappy but grand. Cindy and Sharon went out-doors at 9:00 A.M. and stayed out until 2:00. I didn’t give them a nap and we all went to walk after John and Linda came home, got home just as it was getting dark and the sky was beautiful. The children absorb nature’s beauty and always notice the gorgeous sunsets we have. As we walked to the store the mountains 100 miles away were clear and so pretty. The sun was setting behind them, and they were bathed in a glorious pink, making the snow look like a heavenly land. There was a narrow strip of light pink here above the mountains and above that the sky was dark.
John loved it! Yesterday we were at Vanover’s at sunset time. I had to go over about the films and we were leaving as the sun wet. The sky was filled with fluffy pink clouds and the background was a real sky blue pink. My, it was pretty!
They have a new little buro [sic]. It’s really cute and it and the Shetland pony are the children’s responsibility. Oh Mom wait until you see their farm – what a LOCATION. I told her she’s the first woman I’ve ever envied and I do! I envy her that farm and mostly the view of the mountains and that perfect stream running right through their property! She has such large future plans for their place. They sill own a homestead besides and acreage up the road, they’re sub-dividing.
While discussing the movies, we had fruit-cake (really delicious) she made last week. She uses butter and all kinds of fruit. I got the recipe and if it comes out I’ll send you some for Xmas and some jelly too (a bit of love from me for Xmas).
I’m starting to make your photo album now. What fun! Curious?? I hope!
The radio says all stateside packages should be mailed by November first. Mine won’t go off until the 7th at least (need one more pay day).
Golly – I’ve thought so much about Carolyn and Charles and I do miss you all so terribly. I’m mostly mad at her for – oh, I’m disappointed – and hurt. I keep thinking of what I want to give them and think so much of my nephew and neice [sic]. Golly, I miss you all so much. Just knowing neighbors never will make up my loss – never. They’re neighbors – very nice, interesting and I’m luck. How awful if I’d had (stinkin) neighbors now – alone up here.
Well, yesterday I got so damed [sic] lonesome so just worked, walked, worked and walked – Bill stayed in town, had dinner, and went to library – then to Engineer’s Meeting! It’s been the first time I’ve been alone. I invited Janie over but she didn’t come. Sometimes Scotty works, or has meetings so she couldn’t come over – and he didn’t come home. I’m so afraid to pester my neighbors when I’m lonely, so I never just call. I know how I hated it! Thank God, I have Cindy home. Sharon is company but still can’t really talk – Cindy saves the day!
Yesterday – Cleaned closets, packed baby clothes away, washed floors and vacced, really cleaned John’s room! Our dog, Tim, made a shambles of it. I left him home yesterday when I went to walk, for first time, and put him in John’s room. He climbed onto lay-out table and knocked over a building, broke John’s glass horse to smithereens, clawed his bureau etc. etc. John had made a clay plaque with I Love You on it for you for Xmas, and a horse for Daddy and it was hardening – and he broke them. Poor John. Well I spent two hours cleaning up. And Tim is in the doghouse and got paddled hard and from now on he stays chained up sometimes when we go off. What a baby! I think he was looking out those high windows???? Otherwise he’s been so good but how he adores walking and never will go off by himself.
Bill brought home some new slides – ones we took of inside of house. All came out but one of kitchen (which I took). I took half of them and all others came out! Maybe I’ll send them to Grace and you could go see them and send them back. Could Charlie get a slide projector?
Carolyn has spoiled my wanting to send things there by her lack of interest and please tell her exactly how I feel.
Bill is going over to Alaska Woodcraft Shop Saturday to get key for house on 5 acres. He’ll take 500 down. I wish I’d saved that much out of $. We could buy it with 40 a month. He’s sure clever with his hands and has a lovely shop over there and makes every thing out of wood off of his homestead and charges fancy prices. Frames, pictures, book-ends, plaques, salt and peppers, trays etc. – some are beautifully painted by eskimoes [sic] and then varnished. Would you care for novelties there for Xmas – all useful.
Golly he makes everything. I’ll send you a list. I want Bill to go see, why he could do same and we could display them in two years while showing slides and movie.
I’ve decided, as long as we’re here – to make $ on Alaska. It’s an attraction. Will make several movies! And write articles. I told Bill he can submit articles on engineering feats here. He spent time last night in library looking up how to write, submit etc.
Next year we’ll go over there and look at his tings – His house is probably well built and that’s his occupation. The more we look around and hear – I think it’s a bargain – if he’ll sell and if we could get 500. We could borrow 100 from Budget and ??? Golly Mildred get busy.
I can also visualize showing Alaska things. I so wanted to attend Woman’s Club today but was afraid to have baby sitter all day and night!! Too long. The women at The Woodcraft Shop is putting on a demonstration and Eskimoe [sic] artist to do line drawings at luncheon. She says they plan same show at P.T.A. soon – I hope so.
Oh Mom, what a day. Must get dressed and get kids out. Is 9:30 already! Sky is blue and it’s warm again. Is this really Alaska? We had a picnic yesterday out doors!!!
Wish you would call girls and tell them about weather here etc. Though must admit parts of Anchorage on outskirts aren’t pretty. We have to drive through that part and Mountain View coming home. Shanties, shacks etc. but it will improve. I like to go downtown city but glad we don’t live there. I love it here and we were lucky to ever know Eagle River exists.
Will enclose a few pictures and please send them right back but want you all to see them now! Golly Mom, I do love Carolyn and Charles and the children – can’t stand a rift between them – It upsets me so her not writing. Please go over and talk to them. I could cry. Every day I’m so sure I’ll hear and I’m so terribly hurt. 3,000 miles is a long ways and I feel 6,000 miles from them – not over 100 from you – thanks to our letters!
By the way, we went square dancing at U.S.O. [club] in city (no charge). Everyone friendly and it was fun.
Must close. Love, Me.
P.S. Please mail pictures back after a week – try to have everyone see them, including girls. Good excuse fro you to get in your lovely new car and take some trips – Please do! They were so big I had to mail them separately. Mail back in large envelope and cardboard on it.
We did perceive Bill’s pants and I also received Halloween things and wrote a long thank you letter. Didn’t you ever get it? I told you how we found it in bail [sic] box and how much we liked it!!!!
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October 27, 1957 Sunday
Hi Mom,
Just a note mostly to correct several errors in my letter, written Friday – to tell you we received your Xmas check and thank you. Bill did buy season tickets and I know we’ll enjoy the concert. We went Friday and I will tell you all about it and other news next time I write. It was most enjoyable, another nice, modern building – newer than the Civic! Very well-dressed, cultured looking people attended, and the concert was perfect!
I just finished writing ten notes, as room mother to other mothers in John’s class for refreshments – (Halloween cupcakes etc.) and my hand is tired and it’s late.
We went to a local dance last night with Briggs and Vanovers – amusing and fun.
Almost didn’t send this letter to you about Carolyn after receiving yours Saturday but it’s written and I still feel the same so – I will. Please tell Charlie all news of Alaska, if he’s interested. Please read him my letters to you as long as she doesn’t write and I’ll write him soon!
I read other letter over. We will cash check and replace $ we spent on tickets. Thanks, thanks! I loved your letter Saturday and am glad you’re taking care of yourself. Much love and keep up good work. Love, Me.
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October 22, 1957 Tuesday, 2:00 P.M.
Dear Mom,
Today is another gorgeous day – which makes almost two weeks of perfect weather. You’ll find it hard to believe, but our thermometer left here and which is very reliable says 60°. It’s colder in the shade than 60° but that’s pretty warm for October in Alaska…..
Would you make up a box of geranium, succulent etc. clippings by Air Mail. I think they will keep without water that long as only takes 2 to 3 days. My plants aren’t doing well (I found out later due to lack of sun and light as live in a heavily wooded area) and small plants are 89¢ each here. Everyone around here has lots of plants in their houses just like you used to in Massachusetts. African Violets are popular here.
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October 24, 1957 Thursday
Went square dancing at USO in Anchorage Sun. and to local dance – [with] Briggs, Vanovers. We’re going to concert tonight – still having clear, sunny, wonderful weather. Yesterday temp was 40°, quite a little snappy but nice. We all went to walk after John and Linda came home. It was just getting dark and sunset was beautiful. The children absorb nature’s beauty and always notice sunsets, the Mt. changes, etc. Cindy and Sharon went out-doors at 9:00 and stayed out until 2:00.
The sun was setting behind mountains. Hundreds of miles away – they were so clear and pretty, bathed in a glorious pink – making the snow on top look like a heavenly land. There was a narrow strip of lt. Pink above the mountains and above that the sky was dark.
The sky was filled with fluffy pink clouds and the back ground was a sky blue tint.
Vanovers have a cute burro and Shetland pony. What a location – view of mountains and stream running right beside them.
Tasted a piece of her fruit cake, made with butter and delicious.
I’m starting to make your photo album now. Radio says all stateside packages should be mailed by November first.
Bill is going over to get key to see house. We could buy it for 40.00 a month and 500 down.
He’s clever with his hands and has a lovely shop over there. He makes everything – frames, pictures, bookends, plaques, salt and peppers, trays out of local woods. [must have been talking about the little house that Bockstahler’s evidently had next to the shop – the one of theirs that we ended up living in was half way up Eagle River road by Bell’s, I believe]
Sky is blue and it’s warm. Is this really Alaska? Had picnic out doors yesterday.
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October 1957
[Linda note: This appears to be something mother wrote – is not dated except as noted}
5 months in Alaska, log house
[Linda note: No, according to what Mother writes here, my father had been in Alaska 5 months, but we’d only been renting the log house for 3 months.]
Tonight we posted an enormous map on the wall behind our couch and derived tremendous pleasure and satisfaction in gazing at it afterwards. For only 5 months ago this same map graced another wall 3,000 miles away in Glendora, California. I was giving a party and we put this map on our wall so our friends could glimpse the map where we would be living shortly.
No we’re finally here – in fact, the children and I have been in Alaska now for 3 months and love it more every day we’re here and feel it’s been yes, not months – for already in such a short time we feel it’s home.
Looking at this map now I remember how strange and forbidding the Alaska map looked that night in California and I had the feeling – are we truly going to live there. I saw the brown area which seemed to cover ½ of the map and realized this was rugged Mt terrain and that still most of Alaska is still primitive wilderness with wild animals ranging freely!
Now I feel great pride as I look at the map and even the title in bold print ALASKA fills me with a great thrill – to think we’re here and will live in this territory. Already the name, Alaska, brings to my mind a stirring picture of many things but foremost the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds us!
How little we knew before we came here and still know of this tremendous country – in size. As we point to Eagle River, where we live, a mere dot on the vast map, Palmer and Anchorage, the only vicinities I am, as yet, familiar with, I realize what a great country this is and hope to see a great deal more of it in the next few years!
How unfamiliar Alaska still is to the majority of people – even though the distance we traveled to get here was no greater that that which my sister-in-law traveled last month from California to Boston to visit her folks. But her visit created no stir as ours did. Why? The distance can both be measured the same within a few 100 miles, yes, but in such apposite directions. Her trip took her to New England where I used to live before moving also to California – a land familiar to all. But its tradition dates back yes – when first discovered. When my family moved to California in ’45 it didn’t arouse a commotion either because California has become familiar for years and is well known by all – even by people who have never been there have read of Southern California, Hollywood and viewed the Rose Parade on T.V.
Then why, one might ask, should coming to Alaska create such a stir – because still Alaska is unknown to the majority of people, even though it has been a part of the U.S. for 90 years now. But until the 2nd world war, when the Army built the Alcan Highway connecting Alaska with the U.S. by road – it was virtually as unknown to fellow Americans as Timbuktu! Yet [it’s] as much a part of the U.S. as the soil in New England and California.
Coming by stagecoach or covered wagon to California created a stir too. Alaska is still considered, by many, as much a wilderness as California was in those days. BUT it’s so different. We live in the year 1957 and parts of Alaska are as civilized now as Pasadena, California.
I have yet to visit the bush country and the far north where I’m certain my original impressions of Alaska would not be so far from wrong – for Pt. Barrow is still a land of ice and snow 9 months of the year and grizzlies, bear, caribou, moose, lynx still roam the bush country and it’s not too far from us. This country can be reached by pane for hunting – miles from Anchorage.
But this is one of the many wonders of Alaska, that a person can live in a city…the largest city in Alaska and still have access within a few hours plane trip to big game hunting and fish in lakes teeming with trout. Here I can live in the country and 5 months ago we have found with deep regret, homestead 160 acres in this same area – and enjoy the glacier fed streams, picnic at the base of the Chugach Mountains., pick wild razberries, currants etc which grow profusely in the woods and still commute to the city of Anchorage 12 miles away.
Here in Alaska one can still….{?} Government land at small cost, if willing to improve it or if wishes, to buy acreage at the low cost of 400 an acre up!
Here I can still live in a frontier land and enjoy all the modern conveniences – telephones, plumbing, electricity – while doing so.
Etc etc
So you see, even though we have moved to Alaska amidst ohs and ahs, we too are happy – such as our pioneer forefathers were – our only regret is that we didn’t come here 8 years ago when first married so we could be one of these lucky ones who now own 160 acres of beautiful forest with spruce, hemlock and graceful birch and perhaps a stream ruing through it and a panoramic view of the Chugach Range and glacier and still be 12 miles from a thriving busy city where one can enjoy such pursuits as The Music Festival, concerts, latest movies, etc.
But one does not have to go to the city for amusement as 4H clubs, PTA, and community dances and other activities can keep one pretty busy at home!
T.V. – Radio
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