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Marie Mitchell
Marie Mitchell is from Fairbanks, Alaska. She worked as a videographer for local public television station KUAC, and in the mid-2000s worked for Project Jukebox and the Oral History Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
As Interviewer
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract |
---|---|---|---|
John Cook, Part 1 | 2006-28-05_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
John Cook was interviewed on November 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell and William Schneider in the recording studio at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks. John's wife, Elizabeth Cook, was also present during the interview and sometimes chimes in with her own thoughts. In this first part of a two part interview, John talks about his personal and educational background, his career as an archeologist in Alaska (especially his research at Healy Lake and along the Dalton Highway), and his role in the large-scale archeological site clearance project when the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and North Slope Haul Road were being constructed in the 1970s. He discusses details of plannng and organizing the project and excavations, hiring archeologists and district supervisors, hiring the first women archeologists, coordinating with construction crews, and dealing with logistics, equipment, transportation and communication among all the crews out in the field. |
John Cook, Part 2 | 2006-28-05_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with John Cook on November 20, 2006 with Marie Mitchell and Bill Schneider in the audio studio of Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks. John's wife, Elizabeth Cook, was also present during the interview and contributes her own thoughts on some of the topics discussed. In this second part of a two part interview, John continues to discuss archeology along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Dalton Highway. He provides background on how the large-scale archeology project got started, and talks about his role as the project manager, work accomplished by the field crews and section supervisors, the equipment used, the tough working conditions, how the material collected was analyzed, stored and reported, and the importance and key findings of the excavations. John also talks about the history of the Wiseman and Coldfoot area, the economic boom brought about by the oil discovery, and tells some personal stories about events that happened out in the field. |
Susan Will, Part 1 | 2006-28-06_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Susan "Sue" Will was interviewed on November 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Sue's office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Sue talks about her archeological field work on the Haul Road and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) project, her interest in mining history (particularly with Wiseman, Coldfoot and Hammond River area), her feelings about being the first woman recruited to work with TAPS, and the role of archeology in relation to TAPS and the Arctic. She also talks about the changes in the landscape along the Haul Road and TAPS after the discovery of oil in Prudhoe Bay, her opinion about the intent of the Haul Road as a trucking route to haul materials north, and a brief history of Wiseman, Alaska. Sue's educational and professional background has ranged from archeology to mining compliance to resource management, giving her a unique perspective in how to manage the land and resources for the future. |
Susan Will, Part 2 | 2006-28-06_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Susan "Sue" Will on November 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Sue's office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Sue talks about the maintenance of the Haul Road, the expensive of paving it, the use of the road by the public and truckers, and the effects of climate change in the region and on the road. She also talks more about being one of the first female archeologists on the Haul Road and Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) project. |
Robin Mills, Part 1 | 2006-28-11_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Robin Mills was interviewed on December 18, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Robin's office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Robin talks about becoming an archeologist, his educational background, and his fieldwork and teaching experience. Specifically, Robin talks about doing historic archeology in Coldfoot, Alaska, discusses the excavation sites, and explains the history of mining and settlements in the area of Coldfoot, Wiseman, and the Koyukok River. The third part of the interview (Tape 2) is Robin discussing historic photographs he brought with him, and appears as audio captions in the Robin Mills Slideshow. |
Robin Mills, Part 2 | 2006-28-11_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is a continuation of the interview with Robin Mills on December 18, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Robin's office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Robin talks about doing historic archeology in Coldfoot, Alaska, the challenges of driving the Haul Road, and doing archeological field schools for college students. He also talks about "the 100-year flood" that occurred at Coldfoot in 1994. The third part of the interview (Tape 2) is Robin discussing historic photographs he brought with him, and appears as audio captions in the Robin Mills Slideshow. |
Michael "Mike" Kunz, Part 1 | 2006-28-01_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Michael "Mike" Kunz was interviewed on November 14, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in his office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Mike shares his knowledge of the development of the Haul Road and the Hickel Highway, and why Haul Road and Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) archeology played an important role for understanding Alaskan prehistory and history. Mike also discusses his interest in archeology, geology, and natural sciences, his studies at Eastern New Mexico University, past and present methods used in archeology, reasons archeology is a valued profession, and the archeological field work he has been involved with in Alaska. He describes his position as Supervisory Archeologist during the Haul Road excavations, his impression of the Haul Road and TAPS archeology, and his memories of the largest construction job in the most remote part of the world. |
Michael "Mike" Kunz, Part 2 | 2006-28-01_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Michael "Mike" Kunz on November 14, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in his office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Mike continues to shares his experiences of doing archeological surveys and excavation work along the Haul Road and Trans-Alaska Pipeline. He talks about the remote working conditions and their work schedule, having no communication and travel being difficult, the introduction of female archeologists, coordinating with the construction crews, and the importance of their archeological findings. He also discusses some of the cultural history of the area and connections with Alaska Native people. |
Jack Reakoff, Interview 2, Part 1 | 2006-28-03_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Jack Reakoff was interviewed on November 16, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his house in Wiseman, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Jack talks about the changing lifestyle of Wiseman as a result of the Haul Road, the history and culture of Wiseman, his involvement in tourism as a result of the Dalton Highway, how technology has influenced his lifestyle, and his views on subsistence living, commercial development along the Haul Road, and management of natural resources. He also reflects on the past, present and future of Wiseman and living there. |
Jack Reakoff, Interview 2, Part 2 | 2006-28-03_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Jack Reakoff on November 16, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Jack's home in Wiseman, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Jack continues to talk about the subsistence lifestyle in Wiseman and the effects of construction of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline and Haul Road (Dalton Highway). He also shares his views on differences between rural and urban Alaskans, the high cost of living in rural Alaska, the population of caribou in the Brooks Range, impacts to wildlife from the road, and his role in tourism. |
Heidi Schoppenhorst, Part 1 | 2006-28-02_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Heidi Schoppenhorst was interviewed on November 16, 2006 by Marie Mictchell at the Boreal Lodge in Wiseman, Alaska that Heidi and her husband, Scott, own. In this first part of a two part interview, Heidi talks talks about her experiences growing up in a remote, wilderness area; her hunting stories with family and friends; her impressions of the community of Wiseman, both past and present; her views regarding the construction of the Haul Road, both positive and negative; her appreciation of the natural resources and the culture in Northern Alaska; her interest in the tourism industry, particularly in providing services for visitors to Wiseman; her work experience in Wiseman and Coldfoot, Alaska as a postmaster, cook, interpreter, and hunting guide assistant. She also discusses the necessity of hunting and gathering the natural resources to offset the high cost of living in Wiseman. |
Heidi Schoppenhorst, Part 2 | 2006-28-02_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is a continuation of the interview with Heidi Schoppenhorst on November 16, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at the Boreal Lodge in Wiseman, Alaska that Heidi and her husband, Scott, own. In this second part of a two part interview, Heidi talks about appreciating the lifestyle of Wiseman, the beauty of the surrounding wilderness, the importance of good resource management along the Haul Road corridor to protect the area, and interacting with tourists. |
Oliver Backlund, Part 1 | 2006-28-07_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Oliver Backlund was interviewed on November 21, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Oliver talks about his family background; his service in the U.S. Navy; his professional work experience as a surveyor and location engineer with the State of Alaska Department of Highways in 1961; his qualifications as a registered land surveyor and certified photogrammetrist; and a brief history of the Winter Ice Road (known as the Hickel Highway), the hardy crew who built it, and being responsible for monitoring progress and assisting the foreman with location logistics. |
Oliver Backlund, Part 2 | 2006-28-07_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Oliver Backlund on November 21, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Oliver continues to talk about being on the survey crew for construction of the winter ice road to Prudhoe Bay (Hickel Highway), the equipment they had, conditons they worked under, and engineers he worked with. He also talks about other road surveying he did, including the Richardson Highway, the Parks Highway, and local roads around Fairbanks. |
Harold Tilleson, Part 1 | 2006-28-08_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Harold Tilleson was interviewed on November 28, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Elmer Rasmuson Library on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Harold talks about his responsibilities during the construction of the winter ice road from Livengood to Sagwon (known as the Hickel Highway); working as a heavy equipment operator; naming of the winter ice road the Hickel Highway; and the tenacious crew hired to build the road. Many of his stories demonstrate a spirit of triumph and comradeship among those who worked on construction of the road. |
Harold Tilleson, Part 2 | 2006-28-08_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Harold Tilleson on November 28, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Harold continues to talk about working on the construction and maintenance of the winter ice road (Hikel Highway) from Livengood to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He discusses the work schedule, the long hours, and driving for two days straight from Fairbanks to deliver fuel to Schrader's Bluff, 90 miles north of Anaktuvuk Pass. |
Bruce Campbell, Part 1 | 2006-28-15_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Bruce Campbell was interviewed on December 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Bruce talks about becoming a civil engineer, working for the Bureau of Public Roads and the Alaska State Highway Department, serving as Assistant Commissioner of Highways, his involvement with the Hickel Highway when he was Executive Vice President of Burgess Construction (1969-1971), and his work on design and construction of the Haul Road (1969-1974). |
Bruce Campbell, Part 2 | 2006-28-15_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Bruce Campbell on December 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Bruce talks about his role in the construction of the North Slope Haul Road (Dalton Highway), working in cold weather, things that were learned about cold weather construction and use of equipment, and place names along the road. He also talks about other work he has done since the Haul Road, including setting up his own business as a consulting engineer, and how attitudes toward road construction in Alaska have changed. |
Dennis Nottingham | 2006-28-13 | Dalton Highway |
Dennis Nottingham was interviewed on December 19, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in his office in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Dennis talks about construction of the North Slope Haul Road (Dalton Highway) and his role in design and construction of the Yukon River bridge. He discusses the challenges of engineering and building in the cold conditions of Alaska and dealing with permafrost, the unique design and structure of the bridge and building it strong enough to withstand flooding and being hit by moving ice during spring breakup, and the timeline of the project in coordination with the broader road construction project and work being held up while Native land claims were settled. |
James "Jim" Rooney | 2006-28-16 | Dalton Highway |
James "Jim" Rooney was interviewed on December 21, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at the offices of R & M Consultants in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Jim talks about his involvement with the design and construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) and the North Slope Haul Road (Dalton Highway). He discusses the route selection, evaluation of soils, challenges of dealing with frozen soils and permafrost, coordination between his consulting firm, R&M Consulting, Alyeska Pipeline Company, and the State of Alaska, and project engineering and construction challenges. He also talks about the impact of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on the pipeline project, the design of the Yukon River Bridge, and the many people who worked on the large scale pipeline and road project. |
Earl Finkler | 2006-28-09 | Dalton Highway |
Earl Finkler was interviewed on December 8, 2006 by William Schneider and Marie Mitchell at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Earl discusses his involvement with the North Slope Borough as a Planning Consultant, Planning Director and Deputy Planning Director, his views about proposed policies for the maintenance and management of the Haul Road; and his impression of the landscape and culture in the North Slope Borough, in particular the preservation and management of the natural and cultural resources. |
Hesden Scougal | 2006-28-14 | Dalton Highway |
Hesden Scougal was interviewed on December 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home near Wasilla, Alaska. In this interview, Hesden discusses his family background and marriage, his service in the Marine Corps, his professional work experience with Lytle & Green Construction, his public service as Deputy Commissioner of Highway, his involvement with the construction of the Hickel Highway, and a brief history of the Winter Ice Road (known as the Hickel Highway) and the hardy crew that built it. |
Brett Carlson, Part 1 | 2006-28-04_PT.1 | Dalton Highway |
Brett Carlson was interviewed on November 17, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in Coldfoot, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Brett talks about his childhood in Alaska, his economic and accounting educational background, and his involvement and work experience in the travel and tourism business. He also talks about leading tours to Coldfoot and Wiseman, driving the Dalton Highway, how the Coldfoot Truck Stop & Cafe started, and his work with Northern Alaska Tour Company. |
Brett Carlson, Part 2 | 2006-28-04_PT.2 | Dalton Highway |
This is the continuation of an interview with Brett Carlson on November 17, 2006 in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Brett talks about tourism and the lifestyles in Coldfoot, Wiseman and along the Dalton Highway. He discusses the wilderness aspects of the region, operating the Coldfoot Truck Stop, the cooperation of truckers, and landmarks along the highway. |
Rodger Murray | 2006-28-22 | Dalton Highway |
Rodger Murray was interviewed on November 4, 2006 by Marie Mitchell and Jessica Brooks at the offices of Sourdough Express in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Rodger talks about being a truck driver on the Dalton Highway (Haul Road), dealing with a rough road and challenging driving conditions, and the community and camaraderie formed by the truckers. |
Theresa O'Kelley | 2006-28-21 | Dalton Highway |
Theresa O'Kelley was interviewed on November 4, 2006 by Jessica Brooks and Marie Mitchell at the Sourdough Express offices in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Theresa provides a history of the Sourdough Express business, and talks about the challenges of operating a trucking business on the Dalton Highway (Haul Road). She also talks about tough conditions the truck drivers face, the community of truckers, conflict with visitors and animals on the road, and issues surrounding trucker communication and road maintenance. |
As Videographer
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract | Date of Interview |
---|---|---|---|---|
Earl Finkler | 2006-28-09 | Dalton Highway |
Earl Finkler was interviewed on December 8, 2006 by William Schneider and Marie Mitchell at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Earl discusses his involvement with the North Slope Borough as a Planning Consultant, Planning Director and Deputy Planning Director, his views about proposed policies for the maintenance and management of the Haul Road; and his impression of the landscape and culture in the North Slope Borough, in particular the preservation and management of the natural and cultural resources. |
Dec 8, 2006 |
As a Person Present at Interview
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract | People Present |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tom Nurauq Kasayulie, Part 1 | 2004-07-46 | Akiachak - Then and Now |
Tom Nurauq Kasayulie was interviewed on March 28, 2006 by Sophie Kasayulie, Frank Chingliak, Elena Chingliak, Karen Brewster, Louann Rank, and Marie Mitchell in Akiachak, Alaska. In this interview, Tom speaks in Yup'ik and English about reindeer herding, his family, his work experiences including commercial fishing, and learning an important lesson from a nesting ptarmigan. |
Marie Mitchell |
Tom Nurauq Kasayulie, Part 2 | 2004-07-46 | Akiachak - Then and Now |
This is the continuation of an interview with Tom Nurauq Kasayulie on March 28, 2006 by Sophie Kasayulie, Frank Chingliak, Elena Chingliak, Karen Brewster, Louann Rank, and Marie Mitchell in Akiachak, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Tom speaks in Yup'ik and English about reindeer herding, living a subsistence lifestyle based upon hunting, fishing and trapping, losing his first wife in an accident, and his work experiences including commercial fishing. |
Marie Mitchell |