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Sue Beck
![](http://dev2.library.uaf.edu/jukebox/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/people/Profile_4.png)
Sue Beck is a transcriber living in Fairbanks, Alaska.
As Transcriber
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract | Transcriber |
---|---|---|---|---|
LeNora Conkle | 95-71-11 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
LeNora Conkle was interviewed on October 19, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at her home, the Eagle Trail Ranch, near Nabesna, Alaska at Mile 58 on the Tok Highway. The road down to her place was under some scrutiny, since she wanted to make some improvements and the National Park Service had informed her that she had to get a permit to do the work. She and her late husband, Bud, built the road and adjoining airstrip. So, she had been involved in lots of meetings on that issue with the National Park Service and the Department of Transportation. LeNora and Bud came to Alaska after WWII, when he got out of the service. He learned to fly and then got into the guiding business at Tanada Lake, and later at Wolf Lake. In this interview, LeNora tells about their life in the hunting camps and the life she and Bud made together. Now she lives in the house they built, and there are many reminders of their life. The many pictures, setting-strip, float pond, visitors, young people that admire her, the life she has led, and even the fight to preserve her claim are evidence of her commitment to the way of life she and her husband shared. |
Sue Beck |
Kirk Ellis | 95-71-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Kirk Ellis was interviewed on June 11, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at his family's homestead, Devils Mountain Lodge, at the end of the Nabesna Road in Nabesna, Alaska. In this interview, Kirk talks about his early childhood experiences, describing a fascinating and unique life requiring self-reliance and awareness. His gift for storytelling becomes apparent as he tells us about: his mother driving off wolves who were killing dogs in the dogyard; his father teaching him how to handle crisis with calm and precision by giving Kirk the terrifying task of killing a charging grizzly; his mother's great strength in taking care of the entire homestead and homeschooling the children when Bill was away on guiding ventures upon which the family depended for money; and the day to day joys and dangers of living over one hundred miles from the nearest medical facility. Kirk also describes following his father into guiding and flying, and how he had to build a plane from used parts because he could not afford to buy one outright. Kirk provides great insight into the meaning of the guiding life for him and his family, especially its importance as a way of remaining tied to a magnificent, if fragile, environment. His testimony shows how his family's guiding business has been sustainable because they have paid careful attention to game populations and their health. The word respect came repeatedly to mind: respect for the awesome power of land, animals, mountains; respect for the skills and judgment needed by those who would make this place their home. Kirk discusses how the guiding business has changed, and how the National Park Service's management regime has negatively impacted their lives. He makes the point that the regulatory structure has the unintended effect of forcing guides into trying to carry more hunters and increase hunting pressure to overcome the spiraling costs of operating a guiding business in a political environment hostile to professional hunts. He concludes by reflecting on the future of guiding, and suggests some new directions--such as carrying more mountain climbers, tourists, and hikers--that he and his family are moving into to compensate for the closing window on big game guiding. |
Sue Beck |
Bill Etchells | 95-71-17 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Bill Etchells was interviewed on October 22, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at his homestead near Kenny Lake, Alaska. Bill moved to Alaska in the early 1960's. There were pictures of his son adorning the cabin. There were some antique guns, a radio and TV, and a few books in the cabin. When the interviewers met with Bill, he was splitting his winter's wood. He says that a bad back gives him some trouble, but he seems to live a pretty rugged life: hunting, packing water for the horses, using the horses for farm work and for skidding logs out of the woods. |
Sue Beck |
Eric and Nancy Larson | 98-20 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Eric and Nancy Larson were interviewed by William Schneider on May 14, 1998 at their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. This interview was arranged because of their connections with the community of Chisana. They were recommended as people who know Ivan Thorall, an old timer at Chisana. They go to Chisana seasonally for hunting, but they have a house there and Nancy's mom is now living in the community. Eric first started going to hunt at Chisana with his uncle Iver Johnson in the 1940s. In this interview, the Larsons discuss the history of their activities at Chisana, old timers from the area, and information about trails. They also provide perspective on the conflict between guides and residents over horse versus four-wheeler access into the area. |
Sue Beck |
John and Fran Latham | 95-71-27 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
John and Fran Latham were interviewed by Bill Schneider on July 12, 1995 in Yakutat, Alaska. Bill asked them to do an interview because they represent a part of the community that has not been recorded; folks from outside the community who are trying to establish a home and business in Yakutat. John runs a sport fishing and hunting business and guides clients. While Bill was in Yakutat, John was out daily with guests sport fishing on the Situk River. John's business is regulated by state and federal laws. Fran runs The Blue Heron Inn, where Bill stayed and enjoyed their hospitality. In this interview, the Lathams talk about operating a guiding and bed and breakfast business, the impact of tourism, and changes in guiding and toursim in Yakutat. |
Sue Beck |
Sam Lightwood, Part 1 | 95-71-14-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Sam Lightwood was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at his homestead in Kenny Lake, Alaska. His wife, Marian, was present during the interview, but didn't talk on tape. Sam made his living homesteading, teaching, and running a local newspaper. Marian taught school at Kenny Lake for many years before retiring. Their post and beam construction house and the impressive homestead is a tribute to the Lightwood's skill and perseverance. In this first part of a two part interview, Sam talks about what brought the Lightwoods to Kenny Lake and about the community spirit that makes this area special. |
Sue Beck |
Sam Lightwood, Part 2 | 95-71-14-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Sam Lightwood by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at his homestead in Kenny Lake, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Sam talks about the Kenny Lake community, development, guiding, farming, and the impact of the establishment of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. |
Sue Beck |
Cleo McMahan | 95-71-12 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Cleo McMahan was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 20, 1993 at his home near Gakona, Alaska. Cleo and his wife, Daphne, lived just off the Richardson Highway, overlooking the Tok Highway with a beautiful view of the mountains that Cleo spent so much time flying in. He came north during the Depression, worked several Civilian Conservation Corps jobs, and then learned to fly. With that he had a way to get into the woods and he soon was taking folks out and guiding hunters. Cleo's sons lived adjacent to him. At the time of this interview, Cleo's eyesight had deteriorated a bit so he couldn't keep his license, but he wanted to get into flying ultra lights, since he wouldn't need to have a license to fly them. If you are interested in learning more about Cleo, his daughter, Sally McMahan Pollen, wrote a book about him entitled Papa was a Bush Pilot. |
Sue Beck |
Ruby Sinyon | 2001-02-03 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Ruby Sinyon was interviewed by Bill Schneider, Dave Krupa and Ruth Ann Warden on February 2, 2001 at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Interpretation Center in Copper Center, Alaska. Ruby is from Chistochina and she came to the National Park Service offices with other members of the community who were attending a meeting. In this interview, Ruby talks about the hard times growing up in the area. Her story also extends into Nabesna and her husband's seasonal work at the mine there. Anne Worthington of the National Park Service was also present during this interview. |
Sue Beck |
Michael Swisher | 95-71-19 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Michael Swisher was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 23, 1993 at his homestead on the Old Edgerton Road in Kenny Lake, Alaska. The timing of the interview with Michael was unfortunate, because his mother had just been medivaced out after a fall and he had been awake much of the night making the arrangements and seeing his wife and mother off. In this recording, he talks about coming to Alaska, homesteading, the various ways he obtained income, living in Kenny Lake, and the National Park Service. |
Sue Beck |
Jack Wilson | 95-71-10 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Jack Wilson was interviewed by David Krupa on July 28, 1993 at Jack and his wife's liquor store and office supply along the Glenn Highway outside Glennallen, Alaska. Near Jack's desk, a small model Supercub hung from the ceiling tiles, where it turned lazily in the summer breeze. On the far wall, a lifetime of flying and guiding activities were chronicled in an impressive mosaic of snapshots: Jack and his plane perched precariously on a glacier; Jack and clients with trophy sheep; Jack behind the controls of the Cessna 180. Outside, Mt. Sanford, Drum, and Wrangell were periodically appearing and disappearing from behind a wall of billowing clouds. These mountains were Jack's aerial workplace for more than three decades as he operated Wilson's Air Service out of the Gulkana airstrip. In this interview, Jack talks with great modesty about his experiences as one of Alaska's most talented glacier pilots. He discusses how he got started, learned to land safely on glaciers, and some of the special skills required for bush flying in the extreme conditions found in Alaska's mountainous areas. He also discusses some of his memorable clients, recalling that he was especially impressed with some of the mountain climbing expeditions that he flew for in the 1970s. At that time, climbing parties were larger and often carried out the climb like a military campaign. The Japanese teams, he says, were exceptionally well-organized and professional, displaying a singularity of purpose and will: much like the focus needed by a pilot trying to make high country landings in adverse conditions. |
Sue Beck |
Howard Fix | 2013-14-11 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Howard Fix was interviewed on August 6, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Howard talks about his work in construction in Northway, his experiences hunting, trapping, and fishing in the area, his work building fish wheels, and changes in the weather and seasons that he has observed during his time in Northway. |
Sue Beck |
Tom Teasdale | 2013-14-09 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Tom Teasdale was interviewed on August 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the Northway tribal offices in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Tom talks about moving to Northway and his work as the pastor of a local church. He also talks about changes in the community of Northway, problems with environmental contamination in the soil and water, and his work as the conservation coordinator for the Northway Village Council. |
Sue Beck |
Jim Biles, Part 1 | 2014-18-09_PT.1 | Cold War in Alaska |
Jim Biles was interviewed on September 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Jim had attended the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a three part interview, Jim discusses his personal background and education, how he entered the U.S. Army, coming to Alaska to work at a Nike Missile Site, and missile launching procedures. He also talks about the 1967 Fairbanks flood and an encounter with a Russian Bear bomber airplane on the radar screen. |
Sue Beck |
Jim Biles, Part 2 | 2014-18-09_PT.2 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with Jim Biles on September 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a three part interview, Jim discusses working relationships amongst the men at the Nike Missile Site, Officer Efficiency Reports (OER), the Nike missiles, and possilbe UFO sightings. He also talks about dealing with the boredom, isolation, and cold of being stationed in Alaska, and running a trapline for recreation. |
Sue Beck |
Sergei Khrushchev, Part 1 | 2014-18-04_PT.1 | Cold War in Alaska |
Dr. Sergei Khrushchev was interviewed on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Roger Babler was also present during part of the interview. Dr. Khrushchev was a special guest speaker at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first of a two part interview, Dr. Khrushchev discusses his family and early years, Soviet and American relations during the Cold War, and his work with the Soviet missile and space program. He also talks about the arms race during the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, assisting his father, Nikita Khrushchev, with his memoirs, and his own publications. |
Sue Beck |
Sergei Khrushchev, Part 2 | 2014-18-04_PT.2 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with Dr. Sergei Khrushchev on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Dr. Khrushchev continues to discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis. |
Sue Beck |
Robert "Bob" Wallace | 2014-18-03 | Cold War in Alaska |
Robert (Bob) Wallace was interviewed on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Bob was one of the keynote speakers at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this interview, Bob discusses his 32-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from operations officer to Director of the Office of Technical Service where all the gadgets, disguises, false documents, special weapons and covert-communications devices are developed, manufactured and issued to operations officers. He also discusses the shooting down of a Korean airliner by the Russians, the change in technology over his career, coming to Alaska to cold-weather test equipment, and CIA and intellegence activities during the Cold War. |
Sue Beck |
George Wallot, Part 1 | 2014-18-05 PT.1 | Cold War in Alaska |
George Wallot was interviewed on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. George's wife, Teresa, was also present during the interview. At the time of the interview, George was attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, George talks about enlisting in the Army, his electronics education, and coming to Alaska to work at a Nike Missile site. He also discusses working in the ordnance shop, upgrades and modifications to the missiles, and the extensive damage that occured at the Site Point Anchorage (A Battery A/4/43) from the 1964 Alaska Earthquake. |
Sue Beck |
George Wallot, Part 2 | 2014-18-05 PT.2 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with George Wallot on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second of a two part interview, George continues to talk about the destruction that occurred at Site Point Anchorage (A Battery A/4/43) from the 1964 Alaska Earthquake and how Donald Dukes, the captain who led the team, managed to complete the dangerous clean up. He reads an account of this experience that he obtained directly from Donald Dukes. George also talks about life at Site Summit Anchorage (B Battery B/3/43) and his career after leaving the Army. |
Sue Beck |
Jim Biles, Part 3 | 2014-18-09_PT.3 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with Jim Biles on September 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this third part of a three part interview, Jim describes his duties as an assistant operations officer, missile functions, and the role of the platoon leader. He also tells a story about driving a Jeepster Commando at 72 degrees below zero from the remote missile site into Fairbanks, and reflects on his time in the U.S Army and in Alaska.
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Sue Beck |
Dorothy Roggeveen | 2014-18-07 | Cold War in Alaska |
Dorothy Roggeveen was interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Dorothy's home in Anchorage, Alaska. Dorothy talks about her career in the Women's Army Corps and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where she met her husband, Adrian Roggeveen, who was an engineer, and about their life in Okinawa, Japan. She discusses how Adrian designed the iconic clamshells that protected radar equipment at Nike Missile Sites around the world by basing the design on Dorothy's oriental fan collection. She also talks about coming to Alaska to work on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline after Adrian's death and her subsequent work in Alaska before retirement. |
Sue Beck |
Mead Treadwell | 2014-03 | Cold War in Alaska |
Mead Treadwell was interviewed on February 21, 2014 by Leslie McCartney in the Dean's Conference Room at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Cameron Eggers, Treadwell's administrative assistant/scheduler was also present during the interview. In this interview, Mead discusses his education and how he came to Alaska, and sets the context of where American politics were during the Cold War. He also discusses natural resource development on the North Slope of Alaska, activities during the Cold War, his involvement with the Friendship Flight between Alaska and Russia in 1988, and ponders historical questions that could be asked about Alaska and the Cold War. |
Sue Beck |
Roger Babler and Ed Hansen | 2014-18-01 | Cold War in Alaska |
Roger Babler and Ed Hansen were interviewed on September 3, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Jerry and Phyllis Peet also were present during the interview. At the time of the interview, they were attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this interview, Roger and Ed talk about working at the Nike Missile Site Tare (A Battery A/2/562) near Fairbanks, Alaska in 1964, their respective duties, a typical day on the job, the weapons system, radar tracking, and recreational activities. They also talk about the importance of the Nike veteran reunions. |
Sue Beck |
Joe Griffith, Part 1 | 2014-18-06_PT.1 | Cold War in Alaska |
Joe Griffith was interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Joe was one of the keynote speakers at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, Joe explains how he went into the Air Force in the early 1960s, his three tours in Vietnam, and how he came to work at the Pentagon in readiness assesment. He also talks about becoming a commander in Alaska, the shooting down of a Korean airliner by the Russians, and reflects how his career was affected by the Cold War. |
Sue Beck |
Joe Griffith, Part 2 | 2014-18-06_PT.2 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is the continuation of an interview with Joe Griffith on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Joe talks about the cooperation between the various services in the military, his work as a commander in Alaska, and Alaska's involvement with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He also talks about his work with the Air Force's 21st Wing, and reflects on his career. |
Sue Beck |
Bob Bishop, Part 1 | 2014-18-10_PT.1 | Cold War in Alaska |
Bob Bishop was interviewed on September 9, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bob had attended the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a three part interview, Bob talks about joining the Army, going to Military Police training, coming to Alaska to work at a Nike Missile Site, and learning the skills to become a guard dog handler. He discusses guard patrol duties, the care and training of the dogs, and the clothing they were issued. |
Sue Beck |
Bob Bishop, Part 2 | 2014-18-10_PT.2 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with Bob Bishop on September 9, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a three part interview, Bob talks about being a guard dog handler, dealing with mosquitoes while on guard duty, what happened to the dogs when they were retired, dog biting incidents, life in the barracks, and the use of alcohol. He also reflects back on his time in the Army and discusses the Nike veterans reunion. |
Sue Beck |
Bob Bishop, Part 3 | 2014-18-10_PT.3 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with Bob Bishop on September 9, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this third part of a three part interview, Bob describes a few funny incidents that happened during his time working at the Nike Missile Site near Fairbanks, Alaska. He also discusses alcohol consumption, his experience with the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, trying to make telephone calls, and the military-issue clothing they were given to wear. |
Sue Beck |
Jerry Peet | 2014-18-02 | Cold War in Alaska |
Jerry Peet was interviewed on September 3, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Jerry's wife Phyllis, Ed Hansen, and Roger Babler also were present during the interview. At the time of the interview, Jerry was attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In his interview, Jerry talks about being drafted, his training on Nike missile systems, coming to Alaska in 1967, a typical day working at the Site Tare Fairbanks (A Battery A/2/562) Nike Missile Site and experiencing the 1967 Fairbanks flood. He also talks about his career in medical electronics, Nike veteran reunions and reflections on his time in the Army and in Alaska. |
Sue Beck |
Howard and Ruth Rice, Part 1 | 2014-18-08_PT.1 | Cold War in Alaska |
Howard and Ruth Rice were interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. At the time of the interview, the Rice family was attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, Howard and Ruth discuss their background, how they met and married, coming to Alaska, and his responsibilities as a platoon leader at a Nike Missile Site in Anchorage. Ruth also talks about being a military wife in Alaska, what life was like in Anchorage in the 1960s, and living through the 1964 Alaska Earthquake. |
Sue Beck |
Howard and Ruth Rice, Part 2 | 2014-18-08_PT.2 | Cold War in Alaska |
This is a continuation of an interview with Howard and Ruth Rice on September 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second of a two part interview, Howard and Ruth continue their story about living through the 1964 Alaska Earthquake in Anchorage and the devastation that occurred at Site Point Nike Missile Site (A Battery A/4/43) Anchorage. Howard mentions the clam shells that protected the radar, and reflects back on the stress, responsibility, and routine while working at the Site Summit (B Battery B/4/43). He also discusses the rest of his military career after leaving Alaska, and how meaningful it is to be attending the Nike veterans reunion. |
Sue Beck |
Urban Rahoi, Interview 1, Part 1 | 2012-24_PT.1 | Pioneer Aviators |
This is the first part of a two part recording of Urban Rahoi speaking at the Pioneer Aviation Museum's public lecture series at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska on November 20, 2012. A few days before this recording was made, Urban had passed a physical so he could keep flying at the age of 94. Urban talks about starting his flying career in 1934, learning to fly when he was young, his U.S. Air Force experience during World War II, flying B17s, returning home, and attending college. He then talks about coming to Alaska, working with Jim Magoffin and Al Wright at Interior Airways, getting to know interior Alaska, a rescue on Nome Creek, and crashing his plane in British Columbia after mechanical malfunction and his rescue. He also talks about an airplane crash in Fairbanks without any injuries, the different aircraft that he has flown, problems with flying a Norseman, sabotage of his airplanes in Fairbanks, his lodge on Ptarmigan Lake, his proposed route for the railroad, working as a hunting guide, and different hunting seasons before statehood. |
Sue Beck |
Urban Rahoi, Interview 1, Part 2 | 2012-24_PT.2 | Pioneer Aviators |
This is the second part of a two part recording of Urban Rahoi speaking at the Pioneer Aviation Museum's public lecture series at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska on November 20, 2012. He talks about about his remote hunting lodge at Partmigan Lake, the different cabins he built at the lodge, and flying B17s during World War II. On May 20, 2013 Urban realized one of his dreams, he flew a B-17 again. To read more about this, click here to vew the article that appeared about this event in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. |
Sue Beck |
Laurel Baird | 2014-17-05 | Seldovia |
Laurel Baird was interviewed on October 10, 2014 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Conference Center in Seldovia, Alaska. In this interview, Laurel talks about her family background and growing up in Seldovia. She shares memories of playing as a child, what the community was like and activities they did, and particular people she remembers. She also mentions changes after the 1964 Alaska Earthquake. |
Sue Beck |
Fred Elvsaas, Interview 2 | 2014-17-04 | Seldovia |
Fred Elvsaas was interviewed on September 24, 2014 by Jan Yaeger at his home in Seldovia, Alaska. In this interview, Fred talks about commercial setnet fishing, the equipment used, and maintaining his gear. He also talks about establishment of the Seldovia Native Association, their land selections, and business deals. |
Sue Beck |
Louis "Lou" Collier | 2014-17-03 | Seldovia |
Louis "Lou" Collier was interviewed on August 20, 2014 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Conference Center in Seldovia, Alaska. In this interview, Lou talks about the history of Seldovia from when there were active canneries, to the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, to how the Urban Renewal Program changed the physical layout of the community, to construction of the new school and community building. He also talks about local government, politics, and planning in Seldovia. |
Sue Beck |
John and Darlene Crawford | 2014-17-02 | Seldovia |
John and Darlene Crawford were interviewed on August 20, 2014 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Conference Center in Seldovia, Alaska. In this interview, John and Darlene talk about life in Seldovia in the early days and the first cars in the community, and changes in the community after the 1964 Alaska Earthquake with the Urban Renewal Program and new construction. John also talks about establishment of the Seldovia Native Association (SNA) and the Seldovia Village Tribe. Darlene also talks about tourism and the future of the community. They both talk about the sense of community and what a nice place Seldovia is to raise a family. |
Sue Beck |
Lyle Cronk | 2013-14-08 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Lyle Cronk was interviewed on August 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Lyle talks about working for the Federal Aviation Administration at the airport in Northway, changes in the community, and hunting and trapping in the area and in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. He also talks about gardening, the 2002 Earthquake that damaged the area, and changes in the weather he has observed through the years. |
Sue Beck |
Lorraine Titus | 2013-14-10 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Lorraine Titus was interviewed on August 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the Northway Corporation office in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Lorraine talks about growing up in Northway, her grandparents, and living a subsistence lifestyle. She also talks about the school in Northway, cultural and language revitalization, local government and business, and changes in the community and the environment. |
Sue Beck |
Daisy Northway | 2013-14-12 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Daisy Northway was interviewed on August 7, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at her home in Tok, Alaska. In this interview, Daisy talks about her mother, Ellen Felix Demit, her childhood and growing up in a subsistence lifestyle at Healy Lake, Big Gerstle, and Dot Lake. She also talks about changes in the landscape and climate, her work as tribal administrator for the Northway Tribal Council, and her beading activities. |
Sue Beck |
Roy and Avis Sam | 2013-14-13 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Roy and Avis Sam were interviewed on August 7, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Roy talks about growing up around Northway and his father's use of the surrounding area for hunting and trapping. He identifies a lot of locations, including their Native names. He also discusses his own trapping, fishing and hunting activities, and changes in the land, weather and animal populations he has witnessed. Roy's wife, Avis, participates in the interview as well, although she does not say much until part way into the interview. She did not want her photo taken. Avis talks about her childhood, hunting and fishing locations, and changes in the weather and life in the village. |
Sue Beck |
Gloria McNutt, Part 1 | 2013-14-15_PT.1 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Gloria McNutt was interviewed on January 23, 2015 by Karen Brewster and Rachel Mason at her home in Anchorage, Alaska. Gloria's daughter, Terry Stone, assisted with the interview and added her own memories to the discussion. Terry's husband, Roger, was also present during parts of the interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Gloria talks about living in Texas and moving to Alaska, living on a homestead in Sterling, Alaska and working for the post office there. Then, she mostly she talks about her husband's guiding business based out of Chisana and Horsfeld in the Wrangell St. Elias Mountains. She talks about living at Chisana, helping with the groceries and food, running a bed and breakfast, changes in the wildlife populations, and the relationship between guides and the National Park Service. Gloria also looks at old photographs of their homestead at Chisana and talks about the various buildings and what life was like there. |
Sue Beck |
Gloria McNutt, Part 2 | 2013-14-15_PT.2 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of the interview with Gloria McNutt on January 23, 2015 by Karen Brewster and Rachel Mason at her home in Anchorage, Alaska. Gloria's daughter, Terry Stone, assisted with the interview and added her own memories to the discussion. Terry's husband, Roger, was also present during parts of the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Gloria continues to talk about her husband's guiding business based out of Chisana and Horsfeld in the Wrangell St. Elias Mountains. She talks about the areas used for hunting, making a living from guiding and changes in the guiding business. She also talks about living on a homestead and how her husband cared for the horses he used in guiding. |
Sue Beck |
Wilson Justin, Interview 1, Part 1 | 2013-14-14_PT.1 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Wilson Justin was interviewed on October 20, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Barbara Cellarius at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Wilson talks about growing up in Nabesna, Alaska, working as a hunting guide, and his family's history of traveling and trading in the Wrangell-St. Elias area. He also talks about Native history in the Nabesna and Chistochina area and their cultural traditions regarding clans, leadership, and potlatches. |
Sue Beck |
Wilson Justin, Interview 1, Part 2 | 2013-14-14_PT.2 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of the interview with Wilson Justin on October 20, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Barbara Cellarius at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Wilson talks about hunting and fishing in the Nabesna and Chistochina area, the community relationship with the National Park Service and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, management of wildlife populations, and hunting regulations. He also talks about the history of Native use of the area and their expectations and hopes when the park was established, and how the communities and area have changed. |
Sue Beck |
Shirly Giles | 2014-17-11 | Seldovia |
Shirly Giles was interviewed on August 17, 2015 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Museum in Seldovia, Alaska. In this interview, Shirly talks about arriving in Seldovia, the 1964 Earthquake and the subsequent changes that occured in the community. She also talks about working at the library, getting a new school built with a swimming pool, and how Seldovia celebrates Fourth of July. In her discussion of community change, Shirly mentions introduction of cars, the role of the school, businesses that have come and gone, and wintertime activities. |
Sue Beck |
Verona "Ronnie" Budge | 2013-14-21 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Verona "Ronnie" Budge was interviewed on September 11, 2015 by Barbara Cellarius at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park district ranger station in Slana, Alaska while Ronnie was back visiting the area for a few weeks from her home in Whitefish, Montana. In this interview, Ronnie talks about her husband, Chuck, being the first superintendent of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park from 1980-1984 and their life in the Copper River Basin during that time. She talks about settling into Kenny Lake, dealing with local animosity towards the Park Service, making connections in the community, and developing friendships with locals as well as other park employees at the time. She also talks about her frequent return visits to the area and changes she has seen in the region and with the national park. |
Sue Beck |
John Gruber, Part 1 | 2014-17-13_PT.1 | Seldovia |
John Gruber was interviewed on September 3, 2015 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Museum in Seldovia, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, John talks about his family history in Seldovia. He talks about family members coming to Seldovia, his father's work as a pilot, his mother, Cecelia "Midge" Gruber, and his grandmother Susan English who was postmaster starting around 1925. He also talks about what the community was like when he was growing up and other people who lived there. |
Sue Beck |
John Gruber, Part 2 | 2014-17-13_PT.2 | Seldovia |
This is a continuation of the interview with John Gruber on September 3, 2015 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Museum in Seldovia, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, John talks about his grandparents, Jack and Susan English, their love for the community of Seldovia, and their role in the community changes and Urban Renewal after the 1964 Earthquake. He also talks about what Seldovia was like when he was a child, how it changed after the earthquake, and the history of some of the old buildings still standing around town. |
Sue Beck |
Clarence Summers, Part 1 | 2013-14-22_PT.1 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Clarence Summers was interviewed on January 27, 2106 by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster at the offices of the National Park Service in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Clarence talks about being the first district ranger stationed in Yakutat, developing a relationship with the local community, and his law enforcement and permit issuing duties. He also talks about subsistence use in the parks, and making patrols into areas of Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves. |
Sue Beck |
Richard Glenn, Part 1 | 2013-25-26_PT.1 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Richard Glenn was interviewed on February 23, 2016 by Karen Brewster and Craig George at his home in Barrow, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Richard talks about his knowledge of and experience with sea ice in the Barrow area. He discusses learning to hunt and survive on the ice, the importance of watching the wind and the current, how to be safe on the ice, stories about drifiting out on the ice, and applying what you have learned and making decisions about safety. He also describes the dynamic nature of the sea ice environment, and talks about changes in ice conditions and the timing of freeze-up and break-up. |
Sue Beck |
Richard Glenn, Part 2 | 2013-25-26_PT.2 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
This is the continuation of an interview with Richard Glenn on February 23, 2016 by Karen Brewster and Craig George at his home in Barrow, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Richard talks about the effect of wind and current on ice conditions, the importance of being alert to the environment and testing the ice in order to be safe on the ice. He also discusses adapting to climate change, the applicability of traditional knowledge, different types of ice, and the effect of ice movement on whaling camps. |
Sue Beck |
Herman Ahsoak, Interview 2 | 2013-25-27 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Herman Ahsoak was interviewed on February 24, 2016 by Karen Brewster at the Tuzzy Consortium Library in Barrow, Alaska. In this interview, Herman talks about his knowledge of and experience with the sea ice around Barrow. He discusses first going out whaling and learning about ice, changes he has seen in the ice including thinner ice, and how to be safe out on the ice. He also talks about the role of ice in whaling, including choosing a camp location, trail building, identifiying safe ice and moving camp for safety reasons, the effect of wind and current. He shares his experience with a large ice break-off event in 1997 and the ensuing rescue effort, the effect of changes in the ice on subsistence, and the responsibility of a whaling captain in making decisions about ice safety and whether to put a whaling crew out. |
Sue Beck |
Percy Nusunginya, Part 1 | 2013-25-28_PT.1 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Percy Nusunginya was interviewed on February 25, 2016 by Karen Brewster at the Tuzzy Consortium Library in Barrow, Alaska. Sarah Skin, Oral Historian for the North Slope Borough Iñupiat History, Language and Culture Commission (IHLC) was also present at the interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Percy talks about his family's history as whalers, his own education about sea ice and whaling, and the importance of understanding the wind, the current, and the ice conditions in order to be safe on the ice. Percy also talks about drifting out on the ice, the role of ice in whaling and choice of whale camp location, and the effect of climate change on changing ice conditions. |
Sue Beck |
Percy Nusunginya, Part 2 | 2013-25-28_PT.2 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
This is the continuation of an interview with Percy Nusunginya on February 25, 2016 by Karen Brewster at the Tuzzy Consortium Library in Barrow, Alaska. Sarah Skin, Oral Historian for the North Slope Borough Iñupiat History, Language and Culture Commission (IHLC) was also present at the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Percy talks about different ice types, ice movement, the effect of wind and current, and the difficulty of describing the ice. He also discusses ice safety, and adapting to changing conditions and the future of whaling. |
Sue Beck |
Ronald Brower, Sr., Part 1 | 2013-15-30_PT.1 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Ronald Brower, Sr. was interviewed on March 8, 2016 by Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Ronald talks about living a traditional subsistence lifestyle as a child and learning to hunt and go whaling. He discusses ice conditions, what to pay attention to in order to be safe, and how conditions have changed in his lifetime. He also talks about drifting out on the ice and the 1997 ice break-off event near Barrow. |
Sue Beck |
Ronald Brower, Sr., Part 2 | 2013-25-30_PT.2 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
This is the continuation of an interview with Ronald Brower, Sr. on March 8, 2016 by Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Ronald talks about the dangers of being out on the sea ice and how to be safe out there, the effect of wind and current on ice conditions, and changes in ice conditions he has observed in his lifetime. He also talks about climate change and the future of whaling, human adaptation to the changing environment, the applicability of traditional knowledge, and younger generation's sea ice knowledge. |
Sue Beck |
Lewis Brower, Part 1 | 2013-25-29_PT.1 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Lewis Brower was interviewed on February 26, 2016 by Karen Brewster at his home in Barrow, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Lewis talks about learning about sea ice and whaling from his father. He discusses ice safety, the effect of wind and current, dealing with thinning ice, and the importance of understanding the whole ice environment. He also talks about the role of ice in whaling, setting up and moving whale camp locations, the importance of observing the ice, and making decisions about ice safety. |
Sue Beck |
Lewis Brower, Part 2 | 2013-25-29_PT.2 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
This is the continuation of an interview with Lewis Brower on February 26, 2016 by Karen Brewster at his house in Barrow, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Lewis talks about drifting out on the ice, the impotance of communication, ice safety, the effect of the current on ice conditions, and ice movement. He also discusses adapting to seasonal changes in conditions, and learning about ice, ice safety, and whaling from his father, Arnold Brower, Sr. |
Sue Beck |
Luther Komonaseak, Interview 2 | 2013-25-44 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Luther Komonaseak was interviewed on January 24, 2018 by Karen Brewster in Anchorage, Alaska. Originally from Wales, Alaska, and only recently having moved to Wasilla, Alaska, Luther talks about his experiences as a whaling captain and hunting on the sea ice around Wales. He talks about the re-introduction of whaling to his community, different ice conditions and ice types, the effect of wind and current, selecting a good spot to go whaling from, and the importance of paying attention and observing both the ice and the weather. He also discusses changes he has observed in the ice conditions and his thoughts about the future of the sea ice environment and of whaling. Finally, he expresses how much he wants the young generation to continue their hunting and whaling traditions and how critical it is to ask questions and pay attention to your elders in order to learn. |
Sue Beck |
Hajo Eicken, Part 1 | 2013-25-45_PT.1 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
Hajo Eicken was interviewed on February 28, 2018 by Karen Brewster in his office of the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Hajo talks about how he came to Alaska and got involved in sea ice research, his early research activities, and his collaboration with local ice experts. He also discusses the importance of combining local and traditional knowledge with science, differences in these knowledge systems, establishing local observation networks, use of observational data, and creation of useful products. |
Sue Beck |
Hajo Eicken, Part 2 | 2013-25-45_PT.2 | Sea Ice in Northern Alaska |
This is the continuation of an interview with Hajo Eicken on February 28, 2018 by Karen Brewster at his office in the International Arctic Research Center on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Hajo talks about how he got interested in studying sea ice, influences on his career, studying the structure of sea ice, and his interest in studying things from an interdisciplinary perspective. He also talks about challenges he has faced in his career, his current efforts to build partnerships, his work to establish observational systems to assess change, and the contributions he has made to the study of sea ice. |
Sue Beck |